Leave the heat mat on and set to the same temperature 24 hours a day until the seeds sprout.
Using a heat mat to grow seedlings fast.
Seed mats come in many sizes but i always suggest to size up.
Since a heat mat can be pricey at 30 50 you want it to grow with you because maybe next year your garden will be twice the size.
They are useful for rooting cuttings.
How to use a thermometer for seedlings.
Check your seed packages to determine the ideal temperature and light exposure for seed germination.
To make sure the mat is accurate we also use an extra thermometer that gets inserted directly into the soil.
Expert growers grow warm crops throughout the year by creating warm conditions for their plants.
Almost all seedlings grow better at temperatures below the optimum germination temperature.
Do you need a seedling heat mat.
Seedling heat mat make it easy to grow tomatoes lettuce broccoli peppers eggplants etc at any time of the year.
How to use seedling mats.
Heat mats are marketed as a propagation mat or seedling heat mats as well but the function is the same.
This could be a natural or artificial light source.
Most home gardeners do not need one.
Some seeds require total darkness for germination.
Heat mats have one basic function which is to gently warm the soil thus promoting faster germination and strong healthy seedlings.
Seedling heat mats should really be called germination heat mats.
Once the seed has germinated they should be removed from the mat.
After i ve sown the seeds and turned on the heat mat do i leave it on all night.