Just ordered a Hydrofarm heat mat with 72 cells and a clear plastic dome from Amazon and this seasons seeds(Short Stuff #1). I heard these work well for germinating seeds the problem I've been having is keeping the seeds warm to germinate so that's why I bought one. Anyone ever used one of these? I searched the forums and couldnt find any info on them. Any tips or adivce would be much appreciated . Thanks.
Do Heat Mats Work?
- Thread starter espydon84
- Start date
tip top toker
Well-Known Member
It is a mat that gives off heat. If used in a correct manner, can you think of a reason why it wouldn't work?
GreenChill
Member
i use one for clones and seedlings, but i wouldnt use the dome for the seedlings.
smoke and coke
Well-Known Member
i put my seeds in my boiler room up near the ceiling. nice and warm there.
i have never used a heat mat, but want to get one. i would think that a thermostat to control the heat would be a big help. not sure if it comes with one. sometimes you need to buy them seperately.
i have never used a heat mat, but want to get one. i would think that a thermostat to control the heat would be a big help. not sure if it comes with one. sometimes you need to buy them seperately.
Here's a link to the one I ordered http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-CK64060-Hot-House-Heat/dp/B0006VK68E/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1325469412&sr=8-5
SativaMe@420
Well-Known Member
Yes that is a great kit, by warming the soil you increase beneficial microbial activity which in turn increases root development, the bigger and healthier the root system the bigger and healthier the plant. As far as the dome goes for clones its a must, unless you want to be misting them every couple hours that is, lol. The only way for a clone without a root system to absorb water is through their leaves, a dome traps the humidity so constant misting isn't necessary, misting two or three times a day is all that's needed, for seedlings a dome is not necessary but it will help for the first week or two as its developing its root system. A friend told me that in his experience seedlings started under a dome fair better than ones without, they seem to develop a root system faster, grow faster and look a little healthier, just his opinion/observation anyway.
budlover13
King Tut
smoke and coke
Well-Known Member
bestbuds09
Well-Known Member
Why even bother with those mats when one can simply put the seeds in a solo cup and then on top of a cable box. That's how I get mines cracking. I used to have the same problem as you my friend and then I decided to put it on top of my cable box and within 24 hrs they are cracked.
robert 14617
Well-Known Member
the top of my fridge if anyone can convince me i need to buy a mat i'll think about it
collective gardener
Well-Known Member
I use a heat mat for all cuts. But, I place 2 bamboo stakes between the mat and the clone tray. This provides a 1/2" gap, which keeps the cuts slightly cooler than with the tray directly on the mat.
I'd add, warmth for cuts is essential. Just a 5 degree drop in temp in my room caused my cuts to take an additional week to root. The heat mat brought them back into the 7-10 day zone.
I'd add, warmth for cuts is essential. Just a 5 degree drop in temp in my room caused my cuts to take an additional week to root. The heat mat brought them back into the 7-10 day zone.
no need if you have the warmth of the fridge ... no need to change things that work ...
happy growin
if its a true heatmat for gardening it has a built in thermostat ... but if your using one from a waterbed etc. it will need a t-stat