How to Use a Heating Pad When Germinating Seeds

Many gardeners enjoy starting seeds indoors before the growing season has begun. Because you can create a situation where the growing conditions are ideal, seed germination is often more successful indoors than outdoor sowing. One aspect of starting seeds is giving the seeds warm soil in which to germinate, which can be accomplished by using a heating pad.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heating pad (gardener's pad or regular pad)
• Empty food cans (optional)
• Metal cookie sheet (optional)
• Seed tray
• Soil thermometer

1. Lay out your heating pad on a stable, flat surface where your seeds will receive enough light to grow. This also needs to be in an area that is convenient for daily checks and watering.

2. Place a few empty food cans around the heating pad if you are using a standard heating pad rather than a gardener's pad. Set a metal cookie sheet on top of the food cans and make sure it is stable.

3. Set the seed tray directly on the heating pad if using a gardener's pad. If using a standard heating pad, place your seed tray on the cookie sheet, elevated above the pad.

4. Start with the temperature setting of the pad on low and test the soil temperature on the sides and middle of the seed tray to get a good idea of how evenly the tray is heating. A range from 60 to 75 degrees is suitable for most seeds, with 72 degrees being ideal for vegetables and annuals.

5. Adjust and recheck your temperature as needed, until you are satisfied your temperature will be consistent for your seeds. Stop using the heating pad once you see true leaves on your seedlings.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have the time, set up your seed tray system a few days before you want to plant your seeds to regulate the temperature before you begin.
• Don't let the soil go dry. Your seeds need moisture more than additional heat, so check them for moist soil once or twice a day while you have a heating pad running.

References

• Easy Garden Projects to Make, Build, and Grow; Barbara Pleasant; 2006
• Seed Sowing and Saving; Carole B. Turner; 1998