I got mine from Lee Valley. I was pretty happy with them. I start my seeds in the basement and sometimes it is a little too cold, the heat mats really seemed to give them the boost they needed. You have to be careful though, sometimes, if you keep your flats covered or very close to the lights, I found that sometimes the heat from the lights plus hte heat from the mats was too much and the seeds ended up drying out. Be dilligent about regular watering and checking the soil to make sure it hasn't dired out. If you keep on top of things I have found the mats to be helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lee Valley

I use just the heat mat to get my seeds started. After they germinate, I plant in good soil, then, when the sprout appears, apply a light source. Sounds like you sow directly in soil? Have you ever tryed gremin' the seeds using the paper towel method? Or some folks call it the baggy method.

~JM

I have priced around and found Parks catalog and Farmtek to be the least expensive. I wouldn't live without one, it is insturmental in starting all things early. If you wait until after the holidays the parks 2006 cat. will be coming out and they usually offer a nice freebe with a minimum purchase, If your in a hurry either of those options will work.
Best wishes, wendey

Hi, I use a cheap but workable Waterbed heating mat and it works well for me. I get the mats at yard sales along with the lighting systems. Peppers need a higher temp than tomatoes, so I give them their own mat. I keep them at 85F. and they start sprouting right away for me (7 to 8 days). If you have the money you can go to Worms Way and they have everything you could want, but if you have time to look around you can find planting systems for very little or you can put one together from scrap material. Just remember that the seedlings need plenty of light, ventilation and moisture, don't let them dry out as they will die.

Actually I have been using the top of my clothes dryer to bottom heat my seedlings and have nothing but success using this method.

Everytime I throw in a load of laundry I get to check my little seedlings and since I have three kids I am always doing laundry...LOL

Most seeds are germinating in under seven days with the majority germinating within four days after sowing. It is a cheap way of doing and if you are strapped for money you can't beat it.

Any where that's warm will help the seeds get off to a good start.

I tried using a germinating mat under my amaryllis in the kitchen window last week and had to unplug it after a couple of hours because of the intense rubber smell. A friend just had a similar experience in his greenhouse but none of the forum posters has mentioned it as a problem so what's the secret?

I have also heard that the top of your refrigerator is a great place to start seeds.