seed germination mat & thermostat questions

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I would like to purchase a small seed germination mat for home use but know nothing about them. I've tried to research them but the descriptions aren't specific enough to answer my questions.

In order to maintain a steady heat, should I also purchase a thermostat and if so, does a thermostat work with all seed heat mats or is there something special about the ones that will make use of an added thermostat?

It appears there are two common sizes, approx 9.5 X 20 inches or 20 X 20 inches. Which size is recommended or does it matter, other than surface size?

I read where users of this type of mat report that they get quick germination for their seed but the specifics aren't noted. Some seed mat descriptions say they will raise the soil temp 10-20 degrees above ambient air temps, while other mats just show the wattage but don't say how to be used or how to regulate the amount of heat.

I only want to help germinate seed. I don't need to use for growing plants.

Any advice or help will be much appreciated. This is to be used at home for my own plants.

My thanks, Mary

Featured Answer

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

10 years ago

My fridge doesn't get warm on top, or barely so.

Mary, I use heating cables rather than mats, and always have so can't offer much personal advice. However, I believe that the mats are intended to be effective without the use of an additional thermostat UNLESS directions indicate that a controller is required.

My suggestion is to visit the websites of the manufacurers directly and find a customer service phone number or website in order to get your specific questions answered.

They are probably most efficient when used with plastic flats that many of us use for germinating seeds. The standard flats measure somewhere around 10X20 and mats are sized to accomodate them.

I use two or three flats to germinate what I (and a couple of neighbors) need. My cable has a built-in thermostat.

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Comments (6)

party_music50
10 years ago
Do you have a hot water tank? if so, just use that for consistent bottom heat until the seed sprouts.
Mary Leek
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, but it is located in a cold room in the garage and has the insulated cover installed. I don't think the top puts off much heat with the cover on it.

Thank you for the suggestion.

Mary
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party_music50
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Check to see if the top of your refrigerator is warm. If that's also in the cold room in the garage then I feel sorry for you. ;^)

Another cheap/easy alternative that I use is a heated floor mat... mine gets a little too warm to have the pots directly on it, so I put a standard baking rack on it and put the plants on the rack. :)
Dingo2001 - Z5 Chicagoland
10 years ago
Check on Amazon and EBay. I bought one last year and it was pretty cheap - I got one 48" long so 2 flats would fit. Didn't get a thermostat and it was ok.
Mary Leek
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, top of refrigerator is what I've used in the past and maybe, once I switch fr air conditioner to heat, it might be warmer up there. I had simply wanted something where I could actually control the temp for seed that require a high, steady temp for germination. Will just order the items and hope they work well together.

My thanks to all who took time to offer helpful suggestions.

Mary