Have you ever used a heat mat?

[HotPepperQueen]

I am interested in a product from Burpee that I feel would solve my seed starting problems. Here is the link to the kit that I want- http://www.burpee.com/gardening-sup...er-gift-set-prod001484.html?catId=2211&trail=

 

[lesa]

The heat mats are particularly useful for real heat loving seeds, like peppers. For this reason, I buy my pepper plants already started. I have grown all the usual assortment of garden veggies without the use of a heat mat. If I wasn't so cheap, I would buy the mat and grow my own peppers from seed!

 

[vfem]

I only do my peppers and tomatoes on heat pads. I've had great luck, but trying it on other plants had done more damage then good.

I also found once they've sprouted, I remove the mats and they do fine after that. They really only need it to germinate the seed.

 

[curly_kate]

I agree with vfem - don't leave them on the pad after they've sprouted. I use it on pretty much all my summer veggies, and I've been very happy with how quick things germinate with heat.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

i've used them in the past and they work well. i've had these 2 interesting seed starter trays in a sort of a styrofoam holder that use the warmth of a 15w long fish tank bulb underneath the tray. always worked well. i guess you could use on of those foam coolers and a small wattage bulb and put the tray over the cooler to get the bottom heat.

 

[Southern Gardener]

I used a heat mat in 2009 for the first time. I was successful in germinating some heirloom tomatoes, but wasn't very successful when I planted them in the garden. This year I'm trying again with the heat mat and the help of my greenhouse.

 

[HotPepperQueen]

Thanks for the feedback! I ordered the kit and a bunch of seeds. I can't wait till it gets here!

 

[catjac1975]

There are more cost effective heat matts out there. Burpee is expensive for what you get. There are some cheap ones on e-bay. I have one that costs about 85.00 now, it is much larger than that burpee one-can fit 3 12X18 trays. I've had mine for a good dozen years. The cheap ones are OK but do not know how long it will last.

 

[HotPepperQueen]

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-CK6...L588/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1327457399&sr=8-6
Would this one be better? I can still cancell my order with burpee

 

[HotPepperQueen]

You seem to be much more experienced than I! Can you give me a few links from amazon that would be better than the one from burpee? I can get free shipping on amazon.

There are more cost effective heat matts out there. Burpee is expensive for what you get. There are some cheap ones on e-bay. I have one that costs about 85.00 now, it is much larger than that burpee one-can fit 3 12X18 trays. I've had mine for a good dozen years. The cheap ones are OK but do not know how long it will last.