Don't Make This Mistake With HEAT MATS As a Beginning Gardener

[@gannas42]

Pro tip: you can get thermostats specifically made for use with heat mats and are super useful if you are trying to hit a specific soil temp. Just stuff the thermistor into the middle of your starter flat and set the temp you want. Super reliable.

[@wjm1319]

FYI: SpiderFarmer has temperature controllers available for heat mats where you can plug the mat into the controller and insert a temperature probe into the flat of seeds, then choose the temperature you'd like to keep the soil. The controller will control the mat to maintain the set temperature. They make very nice heat mats also, but I think the controller would work for any mat - don't quote me on that compatibility, though.

[@ziptiefighter]

I still utilize a tip you mentioned. Rather than bother with a thermostat, slip a piece of corrugated cardboard between the 10x20 tray(s) and the heat mat. This helps reduce the potential for cooking one's seedlings. I also remove the mat after most everything has germinated. Thanks, Luke

[@michellewelch6013]

Got a heat mat and FINALLY have had success with Cilanto. Yea! My heat mats sit on metal racks, so less heat radiating upward.

[@jamesbrischke4815]

I ground sow my cilantro, but it's the basil that was the problem for me, pre-heat mats.

[@mammacass5311]

I saw a guy put attic insulation, the white foam with the foil cover under his heat mats on metal racks to keep that from happening

[@jtmarshall]

I also use a metal wire rack for seed starting.. i use the foam insulation board.. you can buy it for like 6 dollars for a 2x2 piece.. It's been 5 days since I sowed seeds and I already have 3 peppers sprouting

[@Zeropatience1]

Lots of great information, thank you Luke for helping to educate us all. I love telling everyone about you for both information and purchasing seeds! Have a blessed and wonderful day.

[@teresaseggerman9402]

Never thought of cold tolerant plants not needing heat mats . Duh! Or mixing heat loving plants and cold tolerant plants on heat mats in the same tray. This year my cold tolerant seeds are in milk jugs outside. Thanks for this info.

[@marilynprietto1162]

Finally someone explained it!

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Great advice. I'm glad you mentioned the buffers. I had some failure until I discovered I needed those heat mats under my 10x20s. Game changer! . OH...A note on something I discovered 3 years ago. The industry has introduced smaller flat sizing for commercial nurseries that are smaller than 10x20. They fit the newer size of starter pak inserts and pots. So if anyone saves flats for reusing from nurseries just know they may not fit the same.

[@michaelanderson4199]

I have a bunch of old hand towels that are slightly larger than 10x20 that I lay over top of my heat mats so the trays are not directly on the heat. It's worked great for me the last several years.

[@MIgardener]

That's a great idea!

[@MamaCZond]

Last year I started germinating peppers in my aerogarden harvest with the seed starting tray. I added a mini aquarium heater to help boost the temp and had amazing success with germination. First batch is in now (yes, it's early, but I have a greenhouse, so as my seedlings get big, I can move them out there until it's time to plant out in the garden in May)

[@HoosierHmstrdr94]

Great info! Your videos keep getting better and better over the years. Blessings!

[@marymeadows3027]

Thanks for info! Beginner Gardner here!

[@catladynj]

I use solo cups and the like. My heat mats work really well for me.

[@trishbishop3923]

Can you talk about heat mats and COVERED trays. Pros/cons? And how the room temperature can affect this? We heat our house with wood, so depending on outside temps and wood type, our temps during the day may range from 68-75. And night temps 62-70. And keep a light on? I usually use a desk lamp.

[@courtneyscupboard]

As usual loved the video and the information.I have a heat mat and am happy to know I am on the right track with matting my tomatoes and peppers.My home is on the cooler side so I know a heat mat will help tremendously here in zone 7b.

[@Annastasia666]

Luke to the garden rescue!! Thank you for this tres' informative vid!!

[@jasonkable1462]

Used to use heat mats for all my crops until watching a similar video of yours from a couple years ago. This year I started onions, broccoli, collards, and cabbage without and they all germinated within 2 days. Also immediately took off the dome as the broccoli germinated the fastest and started to get leggy.

[@waynespringer501]

I transplant corn every year with zero issues

[@backpacker2417]

Thanks for the info. I had my heat mats on the same timer as my lights last year and it was poorer germination rate on my cucumbers and zucchini than previous years.

[@bettypearson5570]

Good stuff as usual. My winter home temp is always under 55 (too long of a story) so I have had more than my share of failed starts both with and without a heat mat. For example, peas I will start on a heat mat for 3 days. Seed not broken through the surface but if you dug out the seed it will have split and has developed the nub for both root and leaf. I will then put buffer between the tray and mat so they don't have too warm of temp. I even start corn and green beans indoors because when I plant direct, the birds are watching and will immediately go harvest my seeds once I finish. For them I save toilet and paper towel rolls cutting into sections that are placed in trays and filled with starter. When they are ready to plant I can plant without disturbing roots and the crows are less likely to bother. While all my seeds started indoors are on mats, they all are customized as to how long and all do have a little time with a buffer before I begin to harden off outside.

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

You are GENIUS for that roll tube method!

[@bettypearson5570]

@@GeorgeLucas1138 never been accused of that before!😂😂😂😂😂

[@katharine5606]

Thank you Luke- just the info I was looking for as I consider purchasing a heat mat!

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

Fantastic video. I just got my heat mats and this gave me a lot more peace of mind on using them. Currently germinating Egyptian lilies 🤞. Really appreciated the personal notes on the many common crops (especially cilantro). Also glad to know that its okay to use cardboard like that. I had the same idea but was hesitant to do so.

[@stevo4535]

So you just use the heat mats for germination and once they sprout take the heat mats off?

[@johannakuhlin4787]

I have a heat mat with thermostat, super handy!

[@jffrywad]

LUKE! you read my mind. I was just wondering about heat mats. I've seen lots of videos about lights and was just thinking of searching for this topic. Great vid as always.

[@swatson1190]

I have never used heat mats. I literally just put the cups in a sunny spot in my house. I put them in the living room on shelves. They stay there until I take them outside to the garden. Most of my garden is direct seeding. I only start tomatoes, and peppers indoors.

[@crystalprince8130]

Thank you! This was so helpful. Now I realize why my experience with my seedlings wasn’t so great last year. Love your videos, they are so helpful 😊

[@kathyhoot7277]

Thanks for the lesson today! Answers my question about when to move them off the mats and the air flow tip should fix my other problem. Happy planting!

[@dalegaa4094]

I didn't know you could buy thermostats for heat mats. Good to know.

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Using thermostats with my mats has made my life so much easier. Get the precise temps you want.

[@FarmerJustin83]

Good info! Thanks Luke! I just got 4, 20”x48” heat mats with digital thermostats for my new grow rack. I have another smaller rack in my basement I’ll use for the cool weather crops.

[@gioknows]

I just checked my order and the seeds I ordered from your company are on the way! I'm very excited! Cheers from Ottawa, Canada🍁

[@lidip8700]

When I'm expecting my MiGardener delivery, I'm like a kid at Christmas! I love, love seed packets. If I lived near MiGardener's Company I'd work for free filling & handling the seeds & just be so happy. Lol. I guess its the old farm girl in me. Lol

[@gioknows]

@@lidip8700 That sounds like a dream job. 🙂

[@sixfigurebookkeeper7588]

I really needed this content. Thank you!

[@MIgardener]

You're so welcome!

[@heatherpfeil2939]

Awesome video! Very helpful

[@ronniebrace2917]

Very helpful thanks

[@shannonstone5021]

Got an off topic question, I'm a fellow Michigander, not much of a green thumb, and your channel is more often where I check out because of it's same general area. I was looking for a list of planting once veggies and forget about it. O didn't notice one like that on your channel and was wondering if I just missed it. Thanks for all you do and the content you put out!

[@Karma-u2e]

Awesome information! I'm such a better gardener with your help! Thank you! ❤

[@1288samson]

I'm trying the heat mats for the first time this year, looking forward especially to the tomatoes and squash. Thanks for the info.!

[@neuralglitch9063]

I leave a space in the tray unplanted, then get a thermometer with an outdoor wired probe and push it right into the soil in the empty spot of the tray. That way I can get a true soil temp reading 😁 I've baked my share of seeds with a heat mat in the past.......

[@CrazyCrafter-le9ge]

Great video. Several vegetables were intuitive. Others I did not know. I have never used a heat mat but was considering one this year for my tomatoes and peppers. Thank you for all the info.

[@robinedds914]

Thanks Luke!

[@lisanichols9567]

Yes, it was helpful.

[@dollyperry3020]

Great Video Luke!

[@orange2sweet673]

Such great information. I’m going to watch again and take notes 😊

[@camicri4263]

Blessings!

[@jeanavery925]

Luke, how about parsley? Beets? Chard? Kale?

[@kabbak]

Thanks for the videos. Ordered some of your seeds for the first time this year. Sound like you all are busy , still waiting for them to ship 🤞

[@gblyndensrandomreviews]

Thank you for another helpful and timely video Luke 👊🏻💥👊🏻

[@gfutube1]

Excellent and helpful as I start a new season. Thanks

[@cindyjoferguson3533]

Thanks Luke. Certainly know what I did wrong now. 😊

[@cziviski1110]

I'll be starting my hot pepper seeds soon so thank you!

[@mystlkitchengarden]

Thank you, I always learn something new when I watch you.

[@MIgardener]

I'm so glad!

[@DanlowMusic]

I just bought a heat mat this last weekend. It was like you made this video just for me. Lol

[@carmenhester1992]

Luke thanks for this video was very informative. Got my seeds yesterday and I'm so excited to start❤

[@paolomaggi8188]

Very interesting video!! Thank you very much!

[@moonlightcrafter6299]

I've transplanted corn with no issues for over five years. If i plant them directly, birds or other critters get them.

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

Whats your tech?

[@moonlightcrafter6299]

@@GeorgeLucas1138 I plant in deep cell packs, the ones where 32 plants fit in a standard tray. When the corn is a few inches tall and the roots are starting to poke out of the bottom of the cells, I transplant. Just remember to water thoroughly.

[@GeorgeLucas1138]

@@moonlightcrafter6299 nice im going to try this. All my corn got eaten by the birds last year lol

[@robinthibault3553]

Thoughtful relevant topic, thank you.

[@MsCASS99]

Hello Mgardener, I’m a proud subscriber, love your detailed explanations. Thank you so much. Please could you guide me on habanero peppers, I got the process from seed to germination with tiny stem but when I transfer them into the cell trays, it dies on me. I’m I starving them of water or putting too much? I almost gave up but I came across your video explaining the heat mat , I have ordered one, yet to receive, as I live in a cold climate, could you please make a detailed video guiding me on how to be successful with my hot peppers? Pretty please 🙏🏾 😢

[@Cocreatewithus]

I use an adjustable thermostat for my mat. Makes things so much easier!

[@MIgardener]

That’s very nice. Helps a lot I bet!

[@debbietabor3493]

Thank you so much! Your timing is perfect, I was thinking about buying a mat❤

[@letssummondinner]

This video is perfect timing. My heat mat showed up yesterday and I wasn't sure what needed to be on it lol.

[@Waiting_777]

I use mine to proof my bread during the winter months.

[@letssummondinner]

@@Waiting_777 That's genius!!

[@markcarruthers3313]

Interesting video. Thanks. Would appreciate your recommendations for a heat mat to germinate Parsley (Italian & Curly), please.

[@bial12345]

Hi there, I've been gardening for ~10 years and by no means am I an expert, but I've found that corn will transplant just fine. Corn is a grass and is VERY hardy, neigh impossible to kill. I've transplanted rootbound corn seedlings directly into rocky, bad soil and every one of them grew great. Now, it is a lot more time consuming to plant out each individual corn seedling instead of just sewing them, but I've never found that they have an issue.

[@icouldjustscream]

I've transplanted Glass Gem corn with no problems. I'm in zone 4 Canada. I start them 4 weeks early in those red solo cups. The cups are deep and work well for corn.

[@KHMarple]

About cilantro: I've already up-potted the sprouts after they got their first true leaves, how low a temp can they tolerate outside? I'm in the Dayton area and it's still cold. TIA.

[@hibiscus-dreams]

Hi KH, I tried starting Cilantro indoors this year. Just now found out inside germination, apparently, isn't recommended. So now I need to try & delicately transplant mine and move them outside.... Anyhow, I was reading up on its hardiness (I'm in zone 7b-OK). It does best 50-85 and will bolt higher than the upper limits. In lower range, it will apparently suffer & freeze when Temps get down to 10°. If yours has some protective cover or is in a protected area (from wind or elements) that will help to sustain.

[@brianbarker2670]

Thanks for the good info on heat mats. Can you germinate on a heat mat in a cool ambient temperature and continue growing in that environment?

[@christinapena2243]

Thanks for information

[@ginnyevans1035]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@terri8112]

Thank you for this into! So helpful

[@brad4527]

Great inpute!! My question is how big of a grow bag or circle metal ring should I grow blueberries in, I don't plan on putting them in the ground . Thank you, Brad. I'm up the street NJ lol...

[@DeborahSch]

Thanks! Was wondering about broccoli on the heat mat just today, turned on KZbin and voila, there was my answer. 👍🏻

[@MIgardener]

Glad I could help!

[@crystalclear1969]

I’ve never used a heat mat. I have used the oven with the light on.

[@carolparrish194]

Luke how do you check the temp of a heat mat ?

[@urbanbackyardcontainergardenin]

Great info 👊🏾😊💚

[@Jerrygrows]

Used a heat mat for my super hot peppers. Cooked every one. Tried again without heat. Got germination on most seeds

[@samanthashaw4669]

I start my corn in soil blocks and they transplant fine. Just an FYI. It helps with things just eating the seeds in ground and to check the germination rate

[@wallybruns4035]

I use a heating pad as I do not have a heat mat yet.

[@nopetynope]

I've been growing for a few years now and never really understood heat mats. Its really interesting to hear what plants want what temperature. I think the reason why I havent used is because I sow in a climate controlled area and not something like a shed. I feel like the average living area for humans to live seem to work really well for our garden plants as well.

[@calleykitty]

What about potato and sweet potatos? Is it good to use a heat map when trying to get them to sprout and create slips?

[@beckymartinez9926]

Great information!!! Question: what about chamomile? Heat Mat or not?

[@valerieburkett2903]

Love your channel

[@martinmercerjr8615]

I asked so many people about this issue I have with my garage. It is still very cold in there , February and March. I like starting seedlings in there. Especially peppers and tomatoes plants. How long do I keep them on a heating mat. If my garage is below 45 degrees

[@lidip8700]

I bought a heat mat in the fall, preparing for usage in the small greenhouse & tunnel my hubby was going to build by seedling time. Unfortunately he had a tablesaw accident so those plans will be pushed back until he's totally healed & the hand surgeon decides on the outcome of his index finger; amputation above the middle knuckle or living with a floppy, boneless finger.

[@paj235]

Do you have a video that talks about coated corn seeds? Are they bad?

[@CraftEccentricity]

Hoss tools does a thermostatically controlled heat mat

[@Chattyman2]

You can put seed tray sideways on, just put cardboard under the heat mat and it radiates to the whole cardboard.

[@desire4liberation]

ty

[@fullscanproductions]

Great video. I do start my sunflowers indoors on a heat map, but only because the squirrels dig up the seeds and eat them. Is there a way to prevent this that's not more trouble than just starting them indoors?

[@writethisthat3613]

great video!

[@Zeropatience1]

Oh can you also do a video about heat mats and herbs? I have a lot of herbs but have struggled to get some to germinate for 2 years. Lavender, splenda, oregano, rosemary, lemon balm etc... all of these have failed with just straight into warm-ish soil and failed when doing them inside also warm-ish soil. Thank you :-)

[@samanthab6337]

Not sure about all of them, but I do know lavender has to be cold stratified before sowing. If you haven't been doing that, it may be a reason it's not germinating!

[@VirginiaReyes1983]

Luke did a great video on propagation of rosemary. He also says it has super spotty germination. I had only one out of 8 seeds of rosemary sprout last year so I'm there with you!

[@Zeropatience1]

Thank you both, truly appreciate the information. Did not know that on lavender so yes probably why I've failed lol. I will certainly go find the video on rosemary. Have a blessed and wonderful day to you both :-)

[@markrainbolt4312]

Like with tomato and pepper plants after they sprout can I turn the heat mat down to like 70 degrees and keep the sprouts on the heat mat? Mark

[@onlyveggies]

Are you using a dome over the seeds with a heat mat?

[@Pp7450-n5u]

If you’re supposed to remove the heat mat once they have germinated, what do you do when some seeds have germinated and some not?

[@Riggersons]

Is there an intended 'top' and 'bottom' to heat mats? I've had many over the years but have never seen a this-side-up indicated?

[@HollyBowmaster]

i got a heat mat recently that has a heat control on it so i can keep it a certain temp. since I'm going to be doing mostly peppers and tomatoes that should work great but i really appreciated the tip about the cardboard in case i ever need it. yet another little tip to go into my gardening notebook for future reference. now to just wait for my seeds to ship from you guys :)

[@MIgardener]

Very nice. Temperature control is critical.

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Even better, use a thermostat. It’s a game changer.

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Even better, use a thermostat. It’s a game changer.

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Even better, use a thermostat. It’s a game changer.

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Even better, use a thermostat. It’s a game changer.

[@jeannettenapoleon2753]

😅Yay! Headed to hardware store now!

[@JamieE76]

My question about peppers: once I take the peppers off the heat mat after they germinate, if the ambient temperature in my grow tent is usually in the mid-to-upper 60s, won't that stunt their growth, because it's so much colder than the germination temp? I'm in zone 4b and only have about a 4-month growing season outside. I've had a lot of trouble trying to get my tomatoes and peppers to grow fast enough to give me a harvest before it starts frosting again. I do have plans to set up some type of greenhouse outside or possibly make some cold frames to get them outside sooner. Normally, I can't get my tomato/pepper seedlings outside until the beginning of June at the earliest.

[@Cocreatewithus]

60s would indeed stunt their growth. Is there a way you can heat your grow tent up to at least 70-75 for a couple weeks or so? Maybe a small space heater? After they establish with a few leaves, they should do alright in 60s, even if a little slower. Once transplanted into the ground, peppers stall for a few weeks before exploding in growth. Peppers are sooo finicky about their early growth! Peppers are definitely trial and error! I am hoping to put my hot peppers in grow bags this year, and bring them into my as yet unused greenhouse to finish ripening. Because, like you, mine won't ripen in time before end of season. Mine is only about 4 months as well.

[@JamieE76]

@@Cocreatewithus, thanks for the reply. I do have a small space heater I could set up in there. I never thought of trying that before, but maybe that would help all my seedlings get going a little faster than just with the heat mats. Thank you!

[@sherriianiro747]

Weird thing is when I used the heat mat in the basement for the crops you mentioned I had spotty results. Since I moved everything upstairs without the heat mat I get 95%-100% germination.

[@chrisgoldbach4450]

Thank you! a lot of those were actually in my seed arsenal from dr berg suggestions. Just unrolled mine. Xfinity. Know much about clone preferences? You are up in Michigan 😂😋

[@jeanpaeth6314]

Luke what happens when seeds don't all germinate at the same time when on a heat matt?Do you wait to take the whole thing off the matt till all germinate?

[@MIgardener]

Pull it off when you see a good amount germinating. Like 15-20%

[@californiabrad]

It is interesting what you say about beans. That got me to thinking about early American (Indian) growing method of the 3 sisters together. Have you tried growing the 3 sisters as a group? From what you said the beans could be a early crop (summer) the others a fall crop spreading out the harvest. So what have you tried?

[@MIgardener]

I have tried 3 sisters. I just don’t like it because it’s hard to harvest and manage.