Soil Question

So I have germinated 5 seeds (unfortunately they were grab bag seeds my buddy had from a recent order)

Two have poked through , with one looking pretty healthy, and the other looking decent.

Ive got a few questions.

I used Miracle Grow potting soil, and after sifting through these forums a bit, I realize this isnt the proper way to go at it, so I would like to try and change it up. All of them are in party cups for now, but when I transplant to a bigger pot, what is recommended as far as soil ?

Is Miracle Grow just that bad ?


Also, im in Midwest and its cold as it can really get, My box area get down to like 55-60 at night , will putting a reptile heating pad underneath the plants do anything to combat that ?

Jay Chonchabong said:

Is Miracle Grow just that bad ?


Also, im in Midwest and its cold as it can really get, My box area get down to like 55-60 at night , will putting a reptile heating pad underneath the plants do anything to combat that ?

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no it's not poisonous or anything like that, if you can't find anything else just add a lot more perlite.
I use Pro Mix HP myself.
I don't know how warm your pad gets but you want to keep your roots warm all the time or they won't grow.

Ok, I havent bought the pad yet, that was just an idea.

What is recommended ? I think a small amount of warmth should keep it at a sufficient level, especially during light cycle, ligths plus pad should get the box around 75.

Ive read its ok for plants to get cooler at night, im just afraid of stunting the growth.

I do have an old reptile rock from my bearded dragon, that might help warm the box up.

Jay Chonchabong said:

Ive read its ok for plants to get cooler at night, im just afraid of stunting the growth.

I do have an old reptile rock from my bearded dragon, that might help warm the box up.

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yes it's OK in nature it's normal for it to cool off at night but the soil retains massive amounts of heat so the roots are used to that.
Like they tell you in army, look after your feet and your feet will look after you.