I'm against the use of electric blankets or heating pads because of the moisture involved in the process of germinating seeds and growing seedlings. Plus, proper heat mats, or (what I use) heating cables are meant to be used for extended periods of time and are often controlled by a thermostat.

You may want to spend a bit of time in the 'Growing From Seed' forum. You'll see that there many methods available, each bringing their practitioners success.

I grow all of my own annuals and perennials from seed with very little specialized equipment. I think that the most important factors are bottom heat, proper ventilation, cool ambient air temperatures, and a porous propagating medium.

This is the first year I have ever gotten a seed to germinate and to survive to be planted outin the garden. The one thing I did different this year was I tried the winter sowing method that I found about here on garden web check it out. I have a ton wintered sown petunias in bloom and my zinnias oh man they are almost as tall as I am and I am 5'1. And my other plants are doing just as good.

Ws(winter sowing) is so easy to do. All I did was to save milk jugs after the kids drank the milk bought so miracle grow moisture control (I think is the mane) soil and the seeds. I cut the milk jugs in half used a small hole punch punched about eight holes in the milk jug one at each corner and then one in the middle of the ocrner holes. Can't forget to use a sharp knife and "cut" drainage holes in the bottom of each jug by "stabbing" the milk careful not to cut yourself doing this. And then I just added the dirt to each jug and then planted the seeds oh and I used a sharpie pen to mark what I planted I wrote it in different places like on the label of the milk jug and then at the top of the jug. Once the seeds were added watered the jug and let it "drain" a little in the sink and then attached the top half with some florist wire that I cut into strips. And then the jug went out into the snow (this was about mid jam. that I did mine but I think others started way before I did. And then when the weather warmed up I just watered whenever the jug looked or felt dry careful not to let it get bone dry and once the threat of freezing was over I took off the lids (also after showing signs of growth). And then I transplanted the seedlings into the garden. No need to get the seedlings adapted to the outside since they have been outside all this time.

The flowers for me did flower after the store bought ones showed up on the store shelves. But when other plants are about done my ws ones are just getting ready to put on their best show. And the best thing collect seeds for next year plants.

Paula

Yes, truzella, I second Paula regarding winter sowing. I've been doing it for five years now, and I have much more success than starting indoors - and more flowers than I know what to do with now!

Check it out!
:)
Dee

Here is a link that might be useful: WSing FAQ

I have to agree with Paula and Dee. The winter sowing forum is fantastic. Have fun.
Brenda

Another vote for Winter Sowing...I simply don't have the time, or the money, or the patience for an indoor setup and all the issues and worries that come with it. But that's just me.
I have EXCELLENT results with Winter Sowing, and won't do it any other way. It's just too easy for this gardener!

I too recommend Winter Sowing. My petunias always turn out healthy and beautiful. The only seeds I do indoors are impatiens and heliotrope since they take so long to bloom (at least for me). However, in your zone, you can winter sow any annuals with great success.

Here are some pictures of my winter sown annuals...
{{gwi:17022}}
Petunia from Daddy Mix

{{gwi:17024}}
Petunia from Daddy Mix

{{gwi:17026}}
Nicotiana

{{gwi:17029}}
Calendula Indian Prince

{{gwi:17031}}
Impatiens Tempo Strawberry Butterfly (Sown indoors)

You should be happy to show off your pics, those are very nice.
I see you are in zone 5, I have never tried wsing annuals cuz I thought they couldn't freeze (seeds) I'll have to give it a try.

I might add one thing to the process on wsing, I believe is the biggest part of my sucess. I take a kitchen trash can or 5 gallon bucket and put the soil in there and add water to the soil until it is completely wet, not soggy but good and wet. Then I sow the seed. I don't water it again until it needs it in the spring. This way the seeds stay put and covered with soil.

I did this with all of my pots this spring as well, this way I knew the soil was good and wet when I planted them. I have lost a lot of plants due to lack of water just by watering the plant after it was planted rather than before it went in the soil.

You'd be surprised at how much water it takes to make the soil wet, I would have never watered them with as much water if I were watering them after planting the seed.