Has anyone used a seed warming mat?

[Rene S]

I saw one of these in a seed catalog--it's a small mat that slightly warms to heat the soil. Seems like a great idea. Has anyone used one, or can you recommend a brand?

Here is an example of what I'm talking about: Amazon.com: Hydrofarm CK64060 Hot House with Heat Mat: Patio, Lawn & Garden

[TiggerToo]

Hi Rene, to be honest, I have never even heard of them before. Mebbe, we have someone out there who has and can put in their two cents!

[grreyes6]

Yes, I have and LOVED it! It is wonderful to use, especially when starting seeds like hot weather lovers, tomatoes, peppers, flowers, etc. I do not remember the brand I used...but I would think any are pretty good. Then I hooked up fluorescent lights above it (no need for "the expensive growing lights ") and seedlings turned out great!Keep the light about 3-4" above the soil and once seedlings ermerge, raise your light while still keeping it fairly close.

[Rene S]

Oh, thanks ggreyes6! I like to start tomatoes and peppers primarily. I've used a gro-light (installed in an adjustable task light lamp) and that's helped, but the room I have them in can get cool at night, so I thought a warming mat would be smart.

[grreyes6]

You will be amazed at how much it will help! With the bottom heat...it takes them not time to sprout!

Oh, thanks ggreyes6! I like to start tomatoes and peppers primarily. I've used a gro-light (installed in an adjustable task light lamp) and that's helped, but the room I have them in can get cool at night, so I thought a warming mat would be smart.

[teatime0714]

I agree! It's totally worth the investment. I got one for Christmas and it's ridiculous how much faster my seeds are germinating this year. It's cut the germination time to about a third of what it was previously.