Seed starting kits?

[SDB777]

Been looking through various seed catalogs(hard copies and internet), and I've noticed ads for the BioDome and the like. Was wondering if anyone here can tell me if they work, or if it's a gimmick? Does a heating pad under the containers actually work?

Not that I'm getting ready to order one, but I was just wondering....





Scott (too many gimmicks in the world) B

[ok_nurse]

The heat pad does work-especially for starting tropicals. I shared some plumeria seed I got from Dirtyfingernails with Missg and she used a heat pad. I put my tiny pots in a gallon ziplock bag in the sun on the porch and hers did sprout before mine. Mine are about 7 inches now and healthy as can be in bigger pots on the porch.

[diana]

I had NO money last year, so had to improvise. I took all the shoes out of my Rubbermaid, under-the-bed container, filled it with a little cat litter, put a string of Christmas lights on the surface and then covered the lights with a little more litter. That was my heating mat! The flats of seedlings went on top of that and I laid the lid over the whole thing to keep most of the moisture in.

Anyway, I didn't have enough containers (or room) to set up more than one, so half my plants were on the heat and half weren't. The heat DEFINITELY sped up germination for many types of plants. From my reading, I'd learned that heating the soil from the bottom is more effective that relying on the surrounding air temperature. It's really true.

One thing to bear in mind, though--I was germinating in January and February in a fairly chilly house. I have no idea how helpful a mat would be in warmer conditions.

Diana

[ok_nurse]

Wow. That's pretty creative Diana. You were really using the ole noggin.

[Diane]

Diana, that is really neat.....Wow....Amazing what can be done if we just think....

[diana]

Thanks, guys. I've been so happy every time I see the flowers I started out in the yard. Hard to believe those big guys were the tiny little sprouts I had all over the house. Guess all the tripping over flats and moving them from one sun-spot to another (mostly in the middle of the hallway) was worth it!

DL

[SuddenlySpring]

I use a bed warmer from wal-mart. 20$. Then put a dollar store shower curtain on top to make it waterproof. haha. I still check it frequently, it's in my garage, and it's cool 'cause you can adjust the heat for the bed warmer. And my garage is quite chilly and not at all nice LOL. Bottom heat really does make a difference, you're right.

[Wrennie]

A lot of veggies wont germinate until the soil is a certain, warm temperature. So the heat under is very good. If you don't have a commercial one, or whats already been suggested, you can also put your seed starting trays/pots,(whatever) on top of your refrigerator.I read where 1 lady kept hers on top of her clothes dryer.