I am no expert, having done this the first time this past spring. I had a 72-plug tray, with those peat pellets that swell when wet. I planted one seed in each pellet, and got 100% germination! I just had it in my sunny window, no heat pad, kept them moist, and when they started getting a bit leggy moved them outside into a cold frame till it was time to plant them. I got 72 nice pepper plants and had enough to share with a few other gardeners. Mine were Habaneros, Jalapenos and Cayennes. I'm sure having a full sun window was key to my success, but it really took no special care. No grow lights, no dome, no heating pad. I'll start more than peppers this year!

Here is a link that might be useful: Our Community Garden Website

i have no sunny windows.

so what is the best and cheapest heating element for a 18pot tray of seeds to make them germinate?

Do you have electronics that stay on all the time(cable box,sat receiver,etc)?I just place my pepper flat on top of our box to use the availible heat that it generates.

Works well for me!

Mike

i do, but the tray is too large to sit on my cable box and i dont want a huge try full of dirt and plastic on top of my 60" tv

I use this heat mat--not from these folks--I think you can find a better price. Lots of folks just get a cheap heating pad ( medical use type) from Wal-Mart and set it on low. Seems to work well for them

here is the link

Here is a link that might be useful: seedling heat mat

i have used the heating pad and can confirm that it will work.

once they are sprouted your best/cost effective bet for light is 4 ft flourescent lights. cool and warm white bulbs mixed gives the best light spectrum.

Michael

finally! thanks alot guys!!

cheers