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Mill Bay, British Columbia

Those of you that use a heat mat or pad underneath your starter pots....when do you remove the heat?

I'm thinking that the heat should be removed once the cots emerge from the soil....is that correct??

Thanks/Glenn

4/25/2011 8:59:16 PM

bottom heat increases root growth,,sooooo

4/25/2011 9:31:03 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

Glenn, once she makes an appearance, a heater mat is no longer required, it did it's job. Bottom heat accelerates germination, so instead of your seed popping in 10 days, maybe it pops in 3 days. After that you transfer it to a cold frame with heating coil, or you go commando, and let the plant fend for itself. In any event, the heating mat was the tool you used to aid in germination, a vigorous plant will quickly compensate and thrive.

4/25/2011 10:15:15 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

I think I lost a seed because I waited till the cots emerged. I guess it depends on depth of your growing container. I had mine in Folgers containers and kept the surface around 85. I ended up buying a meat thermometer once I was concerned about one not emerging after it pushed dirt, and the temp at the bottom was 115... I fried the tap root.

4/25/2011 11:22:42 PM

Williamsburg,KY

I would remove the bottom heat and just keep them warm, until you harden them off to be transplanted to the patch. I just read some old notes, air temp in hoop house during the day 80-85 and nighttime temps about 60-65. Good Luck!

4/26/2011 8:46:26 AM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Thanks everyone!

4/26/2011 10:44:02 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Luke, did you actually see tap root at bottom of container...amazing that tap root was that long, b/4 seed emerged from soil!!! Peace, Wayne

4/30/2011 2:48:37 AM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

I remove the heat mat as soon as they emerge from the soil.

4/30/2011 10:31:52 AM