A seedling heat mat is a useful tool many avid gardeners use to help their seeds germinate more successfully. For many types of seeds, the warmer temperatures the seedling heat mats create are vital to proper germination. Most gardeners agree these gardening heat mats allow seeds to germinate and thrive in half of the time they typically would, without a mat. In addition, some gardeners even feel the plants that begin on heat mat are stockier and healthier overall.

Seedling heat mats can be found at some specialty gardening centers and are typically created to hold one to four of the standard sized nursery flats. Some come with a thermostat controller and others don’t. A controller is a great option for those who keep their seeds in an already warm location. Because a seedling heat mat raises the temperature from 10 to 20 degrees higher than the room temperature the seeds are located in, when the room is warmer the seeds could possibly get too hot. Thus, a controller would avoid damage due to overheating.

While it’s no question whether seedling heat mats work or not, the price of the mats can sometimes deter even the most committed gardeners. Many do-it-yourself seedling heat mat options are available for those brave enough to take on a homemade gardening task.

Easy Do-It-Yourself Seedling Heat Options

1) The easiest way to get heat to your seedlings is to place the seed flat on the top of a refrigerator, television or other appliance that puts off warmth.
2) You can also heat a flat by putting a 40-watt light bulb under a small metal shelf and sitting the flat directly on the shelf.
3) If you want an enclosed area for your seeds, create a light box with incandescent bulbs. You can always use a free standing light or a desk lamp if you don’t want to do electrical wiring yourself.

If you choose to create your own seedling heat option, try to keep the temperature between 75 and 80 degrees. You can place a thermometer into the soil to get the soil’s temperature. Be sure to avoid the old wives tale of using a household heating pad or electric blanket as a seedling heat pad. These items are not designed to be used for long periods of time and can create hazards if used for seedlings. The average seeds will stay on a seedling heat mat for about two weeks. After up potting they should be fine on an unheated surface with temperatures of about 60 to 70 degrees.

A seedling heat mat is a great gardening tool, especially if you want quick results for the germination of your seeds.