West Seattle - I'm installing several hardy tropicals next to a pond I'm in the process of building and wonder if anyone has had any experience in using heating cables to raise the soil temperature for them. I've used them in my greenhouse and see many articles online on them for hot frames etc, but nothing about use in permanent planting beds.

The need for the heating cables is not for overwintering but rather to lengthen the growing season for plants that require the soil to warm before they will really grow well, such as cannas, caladiums, elephante ears, etc.

Thanks,

Gene