How To Make A Propagation Heat Mat
Upon taking measurements with both regular and soil thermometers the numbers were impressive.
How to make a propagation heat mat. Many seeds require sunlight to germinate and a heating lamp provides not only light but additional heat. 73 75 degrees f soil temperature. Propagation heat mats which may also be called greenhouse heating mats seeding starting mats or something similar provide a source of warmth. Commercial heat mat surface temperature thermometer placed on top of soil.
A heat mat is a product manufactured for plant propagation and is found in many gardening centers. Building a propagation bench for seedling and plant germination couldn t be simpler and once built will last you for years propagation is essential in seedli. You have to make sure that the heating mat is safe and won t cause an electrical shock or a fire hazard. Here the best choice is the hydrofarm 48 x20 heat mat with a jump start heat mat thermostat.
The perfect tool for successful seed raising and plant propagation. You can fit four standard 10 x20 plant propagation trays on this bad boy making it much more efficient for the money if you re starting a large quantity of seeds. Heat mats are especially handy for sprouting hard to germinate seeds or those that typically take many days or weeks. They radiate heat into the soil ensuring it s at the right temperature for germination sprouting and initial seedling growth.
The heatpad is made from polycarbonate and supplies a steady low heat 37 degrees celsius through mains power. Your heating mat has to be big enough to help all your seeds and seedlings. Simply plug in and grow. Be sure to get your seed starting mix throughly wet before you fill your pots or plants and after the seeds are planted cover the top of the soil with clear plastic wrap to keep the moisture in.
Particularly well suited for starting your seeds early through winter and in cooler areas but can also be used year round. It has to be easy to construct even by inexperienced users. The heat mat takes approximately 30 45 minutes to fully heat up and using my hand felt as warm as the commercial heat mat.