Remember me? I was looking for heating cables to help me start some stubborn seeds, and couldn't seem to find anything? Well, some of you asked me to keep you posted.

And oh BOY has it been a learning experience!

Ordered 40-ft cable from Stokes. Excellent service, it was here super-fast. I had my electrician DH lay it properly (on a layer of sand, fixed in loops to hardware cloth, and totally earth-covered), and started about 700 seedlings. And it was WONDERFUL! Gentle warmth, really lovely.

For a day.

Next day, I check and find cold, wet soil. We followed directions exactly. DH looked, and saw a wire had burned right through the plastic (not in the grey cable, in the little bundle of connections JUST before the actual cable). It's just lucky it didn't start a major electrical fire.

Called Stokes. Explained what happened as best I could. DH says it's possible that THAT particular wire was bent during shipping, damaging it somehow. It happens. They sent a replacement within the hour (plus a return-postage sheet for the wrecked one).

Cable 2 goes in. 2 days of perfect warmth. Then I notice half my tray is quite dry, the other half soaked. Reason: HALF the cable (furthest from the plug) was not working. Other half was.

Called Stokes, asked "what the heck would make THAT happen?". They sent out another replacement right away. I told Stokes I'd keep using my "half-cord" while I waited, they said it was a good idea, fine with them.

I was still concerned. I talked it over with DH, and he suggests that perhaps the length is the problem. Something to do with the current having to go such a length, not the safest thing....sorry, I'm not explaining it very well. Electricians seem to have their own language.

I called Stokes back and said "cancel the 40 ft, send me 2 20-ft ones instead", and (pretty stumbling-ly) tried to explain what DH had suggested. They had already sent the 40. OOOPS! But they sent the other two right away as well, said "just return the 40". Ok.

Next morning, the half-cable is now a whole-cable: all cold. SAME burnt-through wire, same place.

That did it. I called and told them this particular product MIGHT actually be dangerous. They said it was a new thing, they had just started carrying it, and they'd get in touch with Purchasing ASAP.

So now here I am with my 2 20-ft cables, ready to try again.

And if THIS doesn't work, I officially give up!

At least Stokes is very good on service. That's good to know.

I'll keep you posted...unless the blasted house burns down next. AUGH!

Frustratedly yours,

- Merri