The Best Heat Mat to Grow Your Plants Faster

January 25, 2022

For many gardeners, browsing through plants in a garden center is a favorite spring pastime, but some find that bedding plants can be pricey and only come in limited varieties. Starting seeds indoors a few weeks before transplanting them in the garden saves money and allows gardeners to grow many varieties, but some seeds are slow to sprout at room temperature.

Heat mats are specifically designed to gently increase the temperature of the seed-starting medium and are a boon to home gardeners. When placed beneath seed trays, heat mats offer gentle warmth—just enough heat to mimic the temperature of outdoor soil on a sunny spring day. This heat encourages seeds to sprout. The best seedling heat mats are safe, effective, and increase the seed germination rate. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a heat mat, and find out why any of the following would be a beneficial addition to an indoor gardening tool collection.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Seedling Heat Mats

Type

Seedling heat mats are available in two main types: solitary flat mats and mats included in a more extensive growing system that provides a humid environment. Either type is suitable for starting seeds.

• Flat mats: For many, placing a flat seedling heat mat beneath a plastic grow tray filled with seed-starting medium and just-planted seeds is practical and cost-efficient. A single mat is not expensive, depending on its size and accessories, and it will raise the temperature of the growing medium by about 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Growing system: For those wanting a more inclusive approach, heat mats are also available with grow kits that feature humidity domes. The domes keep the medium and new seedlings moist and protected. Expect to pay about twice as much for an inclusive grow kit that comes with a heating mat and a humidity dome.

Material

Today’s seedling heat mats are designed to resist spills, surface moisture, and the high humidity levels associated with starting seeds and growing seedlings. The mats feature multiple layers of flexible waterproof plastic or PVC that encase heating wires or heat-conducting film. The outer layer is sealed to protect the internal heating elements. The mats are easy to wipe clean with just a damp cloth and will resist rusting and corrosion.

Dimensions

Seedling heat mats come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being 10 inches by 20 inches, which corresponds with the size of a standard plastic growing tray. Indoor gardeners who want to heat additional seed trays can find a larger size—20 inches by 48 inches—which is sufficient for holding four standard grow trays side by side.

While those are the most common sizes, other sizes are available. For example, some come in long roll-out mats for heating many trays or in narrow strips designed to fit on a windowsill.

Flexibility

Typically, gardeners store their seedling mats once the seeds sprout, but the mats can be beneficial for other projects as well. For example, they can supply the gentle heat necessary for fermenting kombucha, yogurt, or even for brewing beer.

Pet owners can also slip a seedling heat mat under a blanket or a towel to warm up a pet bed. The supple nature of seedling heat mats makes them easy to store as well—simply roll up the mat and wrap the cord around it. When it’s time to start seeds again, it will roll out easily and perform its task.

 

Our Top Picks

To qualify as a top pick, a seedling mat should raise and maintain the temperature in a grow tray to between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It should also be water resistant and well sealed. The best seedling heat mats will vary depending on how large a heating surface is desired and how many grow trays the gardener wants to warm.

If the mat is part of a humidity-controlled unit, the dome should come with ventilation to keep the seedlings from becoming overheated in direct sunshine. The following mat is well suited for helping encourage seed germination.

ECO FARM SEEDLING HEATING MAT

• Heat Mats provide consistent bottom heat for fast germination and vigorous root growth.
• Can be used indoors or in greenhouse.
• Available in three sizes.
• These Heat Mats speed seed germination and stimulate root growth by keeping soil at about 10-20º F.
• Increases success of seedlings and cuttings

If you are interested in indoor grow planting, the following：LED grow lights can also help you.

ECO FARM ECOP SAMSUNG LM301B CHIPS 120W/240W/320W/480W/640W QUANTUM BOARD LED GROW LIGHT

 

If you are also interested in other grow equipments, welcome to visit our website: ecofarm.ca

Our emails address is: business@ecofarm.ca

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