Seeding Heat Mats Explained For Beginners - Plus Vivosun Heat Mat Review

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Amazon Affiliate Links For The Products Used In This Video: 1020 Nursery Trays and Inserts: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2XrfTDY Amazon USA: amzn.to/39cBi9n Amazon UK: amzn.to/3s8pgq8 Vivosun Heat Mats: Amazon Canada: amzn.to/39tGFCb Amazon USA: amzn.to/36oYwrY Amazon UK: amzn.to/3cmvhtV If growing a fall/winter or indoor garden full of delicious organic veggies for you and your family is something you're passionate about, consider joining our Facebook Group called "Growing, Better". We talk about everything from indoor seed starting, such as in this video, to organic pest control, and even making your own fertilizer from weeds! Everyone is welcome and its one of the fastest-growing communities online. Share, learn, GROW!: facebook.com/groups/GrowingBetter Fabric Grow Bags are an excellent alternative to standard pots, and in some cases even better for large single plant crops like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale, and even Garlic! Lightweight, inexpensive, and they come in almost any size! Put that Compost to good use! Check out the affiliate links below and give them a try! Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3imbLOA Amazon USA: amzn.to/2ZvWguO Amazon UK: amzn.to/2CTZQqZ If you're just starting out gardening in 2020, this inexpensive set of tools from Amazon can get you and your garden up and running this year as well as prepare your gardens for fall! I know there is a fevered and renewed interest in gardening and many of you are seasoned vets. But remember that there's a whole population out there that hasn't gardened before. Let's help them out and encourage as much as possible! Affiliate links below: Amazon USA: amzn.to/2xXLfbG Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3aoN1AN Amazon U.K.: amzn.to/2XrQA5A

[@florinaarvizu6474]

I've seen reviews of the product. Has it burned for you?

[@marylynn3891]

Before seeing this video I had just ordered my first heat Mat and started a tray of seeds. Wow! One week later almost every seed had sprouted. Needless to say, I just got my second mat. Jeff is right. They are invaluable.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Mary Lynn, that's awesome! Best of luck this season! :-)

[@real7706]

​@The Ripe Tomato Farms is it ok to use without thermostat I have the 10"×20.75"

[@JamesTheAxeThrower]

@@real7706nooo without a thermostat it will come out wayyy too hot and will burn any seedlings

[@pjmazar4533]

Much appreciation for taking the time to do this video. I purchased that same mat by chance from Amazon. It seems to work just fine without . I use Jiffy pods to start seeds as I only start less than 50 of the same plants and it is quick and easy for me. My problem is that I never get the same gemination rate from the same packet of seeds. This year, for instance, I had 2 Zinnia seeds sprout in 2 days. After 7 days I still only have those 2 sprouts from 10 pods. This is a pretty regular occurrence for all my seed starting. My father was a green thumb gardener and I believe my sister inherited that thumb while I got the middle finger.

[@amysnipes4245]

I have learned so much from your videos. I'm in Delaware and grow many things that are out of my zone, citrus, ginger, tumeric. Ginger and tumeric need heat mats inside during cold weather. Then there's the seed starting in early spring so I need MORE heat mats for that. I also pushed the growing zone this past year by starting Rosella inside in February, got a good crop this year.

[@ashleynikkel5709]

Have the same mats and my onions germinated in 2 days. I am excited to now be able to grow all of my garden from seeds with my grow light and heat mat set.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

So awesome Ashley.. It really is a difference maker!

[@WalkScripture]

I just got two of these! Essential in my basement grow tent which stays at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. I live in the woods of New England so have to do some pretty serious seed starting and winter indoor gardening

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Nice! Well done. You know very well the value of getting a head start before spring to maximize that tiny window! Best of luck this year. :-)

[@raqueshacrossley3605]

Thank you for the information. Hopefully I have a successful spring this time ❤

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers! I know you will!!

[@NativeDaemon]

An idea for Vivosun would be to make this modular. For those of us that would like to utilize several mats at once (say on a wire storage rack), it would be nice to have one power brick unit with a couple of proprietary plug outlets. Going further would be able to control or monitor wattage use or temp or faulty mats through that main unit.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

That would be so amazing. Like how some LED lights are now. The ability to string a bunch together without taking up more plugs! Brilliant idea!

[@NativeDaemon]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Send it! I've already a table full of projects with other companies. But, yeah, it would be great. lol

[@jillsmith5687]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms I bought a trio of lights(red and blue) with 3 arms off one plug; but ; my whole plant collection fits on a heat mat! I’ve only started growing ANYTHING this year; and I’m 62; you’ve never seen anybody get so excited over 2 little leaves poking out of the soil haha!

[@johnmccoy2721]

Dude you are a mind reader. I was buying heat mats tomorrow! Thanks

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Ha ha, awesome! Its not coincidence! I just see what I am doing on the farm (or about to do) and that becomes the topic! :-) Let me know what you get man! You starting the seeds soon too?

[@johnmccoy2721]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms I will. I always try to buy local to support my guys, but if I have to order I will 100% use your link. No have a few more weeks before I start seeds. 6b zone and this will be my first garden.

[@johnmccoy2721]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Bought 4 of the Vivosun which I think are the same as you tried out on this video. We either both will be happy or disappointed haha.

[@sandrarichardson2713]

Thanks for the video. I see you starting the seeds in what looks like a COLD environment...lol....and it looks like you have florescent lights...not led. I believe many people are not trying to be a perfectionist...it's just they want to get it as right as possible because they don't have time for the trial and error thing....there's just that grow window is only so big. So as always, thanks for your help in all this. Looking forward to having a good year. Always love your channel. Jesus bless.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks Sandra... It really is heat and moisture to start.... Then light and airflow after... This video breaks it all down better I think: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYfKgK1pntR0rKM

[@melissacarmichael5094]

I just received this very same mat, looking forward to testing it myself! Thanks for another wonderful video! :)

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Melissa, best of luck with your seedlings this year! :-)

[@wranther]

The heat mats for 4 10 x 20 trays are very helpful for longer growth requirements, such as some pepper varieties! Plus the trays are all established in one location. -Bob...

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

So right Bob....its not just germination, but the continued, accelerated growth afterwards. Have a great weekend man.

[@ramz1455]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms so is it wise.to keep the heat mats on even after germination?

[@tonygomes3617]

@@ramz1455 What I'm wondering too!

[@ramz1455]

@@tonygomes3617 I asked the same question in another video and did more research; so after germination its best to remove the heating mat. The heat can harm the small roots.

[@Pubgfetiz]

OMG 😲 Jeff, laughing 😂 my head off viewing this videos, I have no heat mat.. and tried every which way to get a few eggplant seeds to sprouts and nothing, failure after failure, then suddenly a light 💡 bulb idea, why not use the heat vent in my Suite and UNBELIEVABLY surprised it sprouted in a few days. Now I have a Lychee and Orange baby tree. Thanks So much 🙏🇨🇦

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Haha, so awesome Seddy! Ingenuity! :-)

[@alidadebruyn36]

Thank you for this. I’ve ordered my heat tray and was wondering if I was just wasting money but anything is worth a try right, after my purchase I came across this video so now I’m looking forward to my heat mat

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

The extra heat during seed starting season really does make a difference.... So much more uniform results

[@wpk286]

I don't have a heat mat but I made a "heat box" to cure the epoxy that I use in making golf clubs. Very simple. I make a 24"x 15" (12" high) box from 1/2" or 3/4" plywood and install a simple 60 or 75 watt light bulb fixture on the inside of the box. I place a 1/4" thick on top of the box. Plug it in and put the top on. I put a cheap shallow (3/4" deep?) aluminum tray on the box, place my peat pots on the top, put 1/2" of water in the tray and watch them grow. You can vary the box size. Works like a charm.

[@AlecCapel]

I have had a heat may sitting in storage, you have convinced me to pull it out and give it a try!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Alec, best of luck!

[@HeritageWealthPlanning]

Man - me too!

[@AlecCapel]

@@HeritageWealthPlanning you know I work for Devin Carroll right? Lol

[@HeritageWealthPlanning]

@@AlecCapel really?

[@AlecCapel]

@@HeritageWealthPlanning yeah, I told him about this after he got off zoom lol

[@jartotable]

Heated mat was a game changer for me in my dark and cold apartment

[@mudpiemudpie785]

I'm so grateful to you and your videos!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks mudpie, really appreciate that! :-)

[@laurabee44]

Thanks for the suggestion! Mine is in the mail can't wait!

[@Apollo_Blaze]

Finally I hope I will be able to sprout seeds....I have a heat mat coming this week and seeing this is exciting. I have Never had any luck with starting seeds and its such a let down each time. Hopefully I will have some luck now. Great video!

[@am-me2je]

Hey, what happened about germinating seeds in the thermal mat, did it work?

[@Apollo_Blaze]

@@am-me2je Actually I did not have any sprouts///but I got those seeds online, so they may not have been viable anymore...gonna try it again when I have some new seeds to try and sprout...but the mats have worked for others

[@OSGCourtWatch]

Do u consider those kale starts to be a bit leggy? If so, would u remove the dome at an earlier age? Also, any concern about not being able to regulate the temp of the mat?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

A tiny bit. I would normally take a Brassica like that off the heat 1-2 days earlier, and get it more light. They'll bush out though. I'll throw an update pic in a couple of weeks. :-)

[@Maggie-eq4cd]

Thanks for the great advice yet again. Once the electrics are fixed up outside this will be great.

[@LisaMagoulas]

Love this video. Just bought two mats for the first time ever. Planted last week and everything is growing out of control. When do I know it's time to take the plants off the heat mats?

[@mariog3531]

So ive i put capsicums and tomato seeds, and they only took a few day to sprout, do i now take them off the mat and out into the sunlight with the plastic dome still on to keep growing?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yes Mario, once sprouted, they don't need that high heat anymore. They like it warm, but they don't need it 95F!

[@titanskrall7234]

Hello! I have hot pepper seedlings that all germinated beautifully on the heat mat 3 weeks ago. My question is how long should I keep them on the mat? I've heard some say for just a week after germination while others recommend keeping them on until just before transplanting. Thoughts? First time gardener from seeds here!!!

[@robertevans8024]

Love the high dome on that seed tray. Where did you get it ? I almost bought a heat mat at home depot a couple days ago while getting some gardening supplies for this spring. But since I've never had a problem sprouting seeds in my kitchen before I didn't get one. My backyard is only about 15'×15' and all concrete. My plants are all in black plastic heavy duty storage boxes. I make compost in a black 55 gallon plastic barrel every year. It's always full of worms. I also have an asian pear tree, that I started from seed, growing in a barrel, that's about eight years old. Last year I got about a dozen very sweet and juicy asian pears. This year I'm going to try putting bags over the fruit to protect them from beetles and ants. Huge problem last year.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Robert, sounds like a great growing space that you're maximizing! I switched to the taller domes about 3 years ago.....the shorties were just too short for most things. The seedlings would hit the top before I could blink. Amazon carries them but I got mine in bulk from a local nursery. :-)

[@robertevans8024]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms AWSOME ! Thanks for the reply. Love that personal touch and you content. AWSOME personality ! I think I'm going to get the heat mat. I noticed a lot of seeds don't sprout around the same time. Maybe the heat mat will help with consistency. Not very appealing to have plants touching the dome while others are just showing through the surface.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@robertevans8024 100% it will help with consistency Robert. Its all about degree days for sprouting and when the accumulated warm is accelerated, the window of sprouting is shortened, resulting in a far more uniform germination pattern! Best of luck!

[@ang8282]

is there atemp control knob

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Some models do, yes

[@robynmorris4237]

Many thanks for the info and help!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Robyn, thanks for watching!

[@lobstermania4025]

Ahhh Ha! Thats why my seedling all died out and I had poor sprouting. I did not think cold crops required it but now I know to help to fungus and damping off. Question, after they sprout , are they fine then on thier own in my 53 degree basement? Thank you young man! I'm excited..

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Oh definitely. Even the warm weather crops I take off the heat once they've sprouted. 53F for cool crops if given enough light will be fine.

[@spoetryqueen]

I started gardening this past February. I used the heat mat and grow lights together. I didn't get anything. I really didn't know what I was doing. I think I over-watered. Can you help me?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Even with over watering, the seeds should still sprout..... They won't do well, but they'll most definitely sprout

[@spoetryqueen]

Thanks. Someone told me also that the seed starter could have been bad. I won't quit. I'm going to do it again.

[@bettydiazflores8147]

Thank you for sharing this info!!

[@RosemaryHartley-e3t]

When do you put your small sprouts under a light plant light

[@RosemaryHartley-e3t]

How long do you leave the seeds on the heat mat once sprouting seeds

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Once the seedlings get their first true leaves, they come off the heat

[@SpiceyKy]

Guess I need to go ahead and invest in one. Thanks 😊

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Spicey, if you're doing a lot of your own seeds, it really pays off, no question.

[@jomrchalcott7451]

How long does it take to get warm and does it have a button to turn it on?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Some of the ones with a thermostat will have an on/off switch. Mine just plugs in and warms up within 4-5 minutes.

[@emisaelortega]

How do you know the temperature on the heating mat?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@emisaelortega thermometer or temp gun

[@emisaelortega]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms yeah I been using a temp gun just wish they had it labeled on the controller

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@emisaelortega the really expensive used to.. Hard to find them now

[@adrianagross5921]

When should I remove the cover (propagation dome) after germination?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Once the seeds germinate...or at least within a week usually. :-)

[@MichaelRei99]

What do you do with the thermistor that is part of the controller?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Mike, mine didn't have one. But if yours does, bonus! Dial it in until you get the right temps! :-)

[@ronnie9958]

What is a good temperature for my heat mat?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Ronnie...80-90F (27-32C) is ideal.

[@ronnie9958]

Perfect! Mines at 85 👏👏👏

[@khadijahmostafa5394]

Can I put on hitmate on the carpet?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

For fire safety, its probably best not to.

[@tradedemo8500]

Thanks for this useful video. I am not a gardener as such but have been experimenting with planting tomatoes, sweet & chilli peppers, red and white onions and garlic in pots in my back garden, often from seedlings bought from the local garden centre. Next season, I am planning to sprout the chilli/sweet pepper and onions for the first time, and I am thinking of using the seedling heat mat and grow-light. - Are heat mat and grow-light mutually exclusive, or is the grow-light to be used only after the seedlings have developed leaves? - What kind of materials can be used on the heat mat, e.g. can a plastic tray be used or does this have to be metal/tin?

[@Donna_G]

I've never used a heat mat for seed sprouting. I used to have one when I had my leopard gecko. It was big enough to cover about half of the bottom of a 20 gallon long tank. It was meant for reptile habitats; but, I'm wondering if that sort of mat could also be used for seeds?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Most definitely it can Donna...exact same technology!

[@mommypov4958]

I use our old puppy heat mat!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@mommypov4958 Whatever works Amanda!

[@tiffanywalker1312]

I’m trying a heating pad that I bought from Amazon I’ll let you know if it works. But I’m going to purchase a seed starting one next germination

[@DHTex11]

I’m trying to get thermostat to Fahrenheit and move the temp up or down it doesn’t move or change easily

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Does the pad feel warm to the touch?

[@valjalava1951]

Great video I just planted some seeds ,I have them on heat mat but there in my shed which it’s only 45-50 in there does it have to be warmer ,and once I take them off the heat mat what temperature should my shed be

[@rubiora9586]

Can you give the link where you buy the grow light please..and thank you for give us all information 👦👦👦

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Rubio, what country are you in? For Canada, these Mars Hydro ones work great!: amzn.to/36PMHLT And here's the link for ones in the US: amzn.to/3rwBvvG

[@rubiora9586]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thank you i will lok up

[@christineadamson8156]

Does anyone know whether you can use heat mats for 7" deep plant troughs? I'm going to try to grow salads in my conservatory but they need deeper soil than seedlings and I'm wondering if the heat can't create enough for that depth of trough.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Heat rises.... It's surprising how much depth it can heat up over time.

[@theteenagegardener]

Hi there! What should I do if I the different seeds I am growing all require different germination temperatures? For example, I am starting tomato seedlings, which require 86° soil temps, and I am also starting lettuce seedlings, which require 68° soil temps, all in the same seed tray. I am not sure what to do. I am growing on a small scale (two 24-cell trays, 48 cells in total) for my home garden. Because of my setup, I am unable to use smaller, separate seed trays.

[@paulineewert7492]

Great info. Thank you.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Pauline, thanks for watching! :-)

[@wheretheseedlingsare9646]

As soon as you see seedlings sprout using a heat mat should we uncover the dome and place under grow lights with heat mat still warming the seedlings?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

It really depends on your ambient temps and the plant variety you're dealing with, but it won't hurt to give them better air circulation and definitely more intense light. :-)

[@wheretheseedlingsare9646]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms room to put flats in roughly 52F at night 70f day with sun exposure east west and south in a sunroom. Do you think it’s enough to light seedlings? And should I keep heat mats underneath trays. My Mistake was planting some varieties that appreciate warmth and some that like cool weather. Learning as I go.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@wheretheseedlingsare9646 We all are Aileen! I would say 52F is pretty cool.....maybe keep the peppers, tomatoes, cukes, zukes, melons, etc heated and sheltered a little longer....but things like kale broccoli, cauliflower etc are probably good to go!

[@SnappySnapfire]

Would this be good for cloning?

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

Nice comparison, with without mats. Curious how well the second batch germinated. TYFS, Mark and Rosa

[@zoruao.508]

question i see you have a water tray between your heat matt and actual seedling tray i have a plastic sandwich bag around my tray for humidity would it be too hot to put your seedling trey directly ontop of the heating matt?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Not the ones with a thermostat... They can be regulated and turned down. If it's just a plug in one, you'll have to test out the temperatures first

[@zoruao.508]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thanks for the reply yeah their hot peppers im told they need it quite warm to grow and night times here in south africa get quite cold 5°C so iv put it stright on the matt not sure if it will get to hot considering but i have another 6 seeds if it does

[@cucoherreragarciayumo267]

Could you tell me how to test it if it really works good with out thermostat because I have one but I don't fill that it warms

[@billbuyssilver76]

Great video!

[@puertoropelu2257]

I loved my mat but I ran into some issues cause I left the clear lid on all my sprouts. Am I supposed to cycle the clear lid on the germinating tray? A lot of my sprouts died or they had mold. How did you do with the lid? Once they sprout should I just keep the lid off of it?

[@JulyJulysson]

do you need to use a heat mat after the seeds are germinated?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Once the seeds have sprouted, I drop the temperatures up 70F....usually inside room temperature is fine

[@andielliott2306]

A question please...I noticed that you put your seed trays on the mat perpendicular so that the entire tray was ot situation on the heat mat....am I wrong?

[@k.p.1139]

Question- I started my seeds, they germinated quickly and were doing very well. Over the last couple of days, I seem to be experiencing dampening off. I'm in Florida where our weather has been nuts. Heater on today, a/c on tomorrow, back to the heater again. I have all of my tomatoes and peppers indoors. Now, the peppers seem to be happy as they can be. But, the tomatoes are pooping out on me. They are in expensive growing mix, watering not to often, and have given them a couple of smalls shots of recommended fish fertilizer. All of them have true leaves. Now, up to this point, I have not used a heat mat. But, I also think the soil has been getting cold. Do you think putting them on a mat could help at this point?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Once they hadn't true leaves, tomatoes are happy at a constant 70-75F....with LOTS of light and minimal watering.... Once a week, max

[@k.p.1139]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms that's where I am. So, do you think I should put them in new soil? I'm just perplexed on what to do now. It started at losing a couple of plants a day, this morning it was 9.

[@LG777.mother]

@@k.p.1139 😢 Hope you got it figured out! Also hope everyone is safe after the recent hurricane Ian! 🙏🏼

[@k.p.1139]

@@LG777.mother we are thank you. It's still very overwhelming at this point. Praying for guidance because we are flat exhausted.

[@LG777.mother]

@@k.p.1139 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@TajmToCook]

Google is definitely spying on us... today, I received my heat mats and very first video I found, is yours. Testing exactly the same brand and the same size I have just bought. Nice 😁. I bought the mats for alocasias that are on their way and should be with me tomorrow. Seeing this video, I will definitely use the mats for my props as well. Especially now, as we are entering the autumn/winter season here in UK.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@TajmToCook lol, google is 100% knowing what you do even before you do it, ha ha!

[@TajmToCook]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms very true

[@michelerichard5523]

Thank you for the video. One question about heat mats. How is the temp kept from getting too warm or not warm enough? Going to order myself some very soon. Thank you once again🌹

[@oberonmuseumshopservices614]

What potting soil are you using

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

I use this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJy3ZHevotp9odksi=sUejUmiqQK0KppuU

[@patrickgniech7873]

Can these mats be put on plastic shelves?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Patrick, yes, I've never had any problem with them on wood, metal, and plastic shelving.

[@Skotcho4eva]

Im just curious is anyone knows if these heating mats are good for veg/flower stages? im growing in a basement in canada and its winter and its gets kind of chilly down there and i was to keep the bottoms of the pots warm. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated :)

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

They really do keep the soil warm and in turn a pocket of air above the seedling trays.... But an adult plant... Reaching up into the cold air.. Not sure if that's enough. Some species, sure, but others might not fair well

[@plantgurugangsta7299]

I'm surprised u didn't mention the additional heat gauge....did you not use that?????

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

No...I didn't. If I used one, I would have mentioned it.

[@anar.trujillo5744]

Can I use these mats to grow long leaf coriander (Recao). Thanks again

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

For sure Ana.....sprout the Coriander on the mats, but grow it off....they don't need the heat once they germinate. :-)

[@karlalyle7392]

Do you use a thermostat with each heating mat? Can you link these heat mats so that they not only run on 1 outlet.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hi Karla, if you're unsure or are getting hot spots, yes..but generally I just feel the mats by hand...

[@alaxandersupertramp6955]

how much watts does it use?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

This does one tray and used 20 watts on full blast.

[@jenniferblakely-hosid9807]

After seeds germinate, do you then take the seedlings off the heat mat or is it ok to leave them on there?

[@muffdriver69]

Yes. You don't need it by then. It's just to help the seeds to grow until they are strong enough without it.

[@MB-px7en]

How warm to the touch does the mat get? I recently bought one from Home Hardware and don’t know if it is suppose to be a mild temp or if mine is broken?

[@Stacey211]

Do I use a heat mat and a grow light

[@debdattas2587]

After seeing your video, I am convinced and ordering the heat mat. A big thank you . Do I have to buy the thermostat as well....? Can I place this heating mat directly on my wooden floor or should I use a flat metal rack....? Pls reply. This is the first time I am doing this. Thank you

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey, good choice, it really does make a difference! You don't need the thermostat, but do measure the temperatures.... Sometimes a barrier like a towel or a piece of wood is necessarily as the temperatures can get too warm. Best of luck!

[@debdattas2587]

Thank you.

[@LordByron08]

Can this be used on a Burpee elevated self watering tray with the capillary pad? The heat mat would only be in contact with the water.

[@kalyanig1381]

Hi Can you feel the heat of the mat, when you touch?

[@59twilli]

I am a heat mat convert too. My glasshouse isn't heated either so they are invaluable.

[@1980khmer]

Any recommendation for growing light?

[@ayushsood45]

can we use in india in indian plugs 220v to 230v pls replay

[@tanishafreeman8005]

Umm hi, I really like and enjoy your videos your very good at explaining things that I don’t understand about gardening I have extreme ADHD and gardening has been suggested as a alternative therapy. I really like it but I have no idea what I’m doing where to start what to buy in my zone 4 indoors and in containers. I don’t know which light if you have time and it’s not an inconvenience. Could you try to do some videos for growing indoors in containers how to start a new garden for beginners what we need to start what supplies. I have a total of 4,000$ of garden supplies but I don’t know what I have liquid fertilizer and soil food grade containers lights I just don’t understand

[@hotsweetlady20011]

HELLOOOO IM STARTING EARLY FOUND OUT I CAN START SOME SOONER

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on Debbie, best of luck!

[@martinmercerjr8615]

Where do you put the probe sensor

[@marceenmarie]

Do you leave the mat on continuously or just part of a day (8 hours? 12 hours?) I am brand new

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

All day... Nice even heat around 80F to 90F.....

[@alwynnecartmell6602]

Wonderful Thankyou.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Alwynne, thanks for watching!

[@caderbavahsiddicl6414]

Thank lots brother...

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Thanks for watching, appreciate it!

[@DanielW607]

I know I’m a bit late, but could you provide a link to those bigger square pots? Would totally help out! Also it’s too bad that those bigger domes only come with the larger trays. My indoor diy grow light setup doesn’t allow for more than a few 40 1”x1” trays and those sized trays only come with the lower domes :/

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Daniel! Which square pot? Most nurseries carry all the sizes...Home Depot as well. For domes, if you can't find the size you're after, clear rubbermaids often work. Also, many food items in the deli come in some larger containers..maybe one of those could be used as a lid?

[@DanielW607]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms you know what, you are right! Although my local Home Depot and Lowe’s are always out of the specific square nursery pots that you are using, I can always just make my own out of makeshift salad containers.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

@@DanielW607 Remember too Daniel, most nurseries and home improvement stores throw away TONS of pots, square and round, every week as plants die or they re-pot them. You shouldn't have to buy any pots ever, unless you're after a particular aesthetic!

[@fortnb]

Does it stay on 24/7

[@praymtf4495]

How do you water the seeds once it is on the heat mat, assuming that you can’t turn the heat mat on and off? Thanks in advance

[@bendavis9524]

Water as you normally would

[@joesears584]

Sir. I live in the northeast and am off grid I see extreme temperature swings between day and night. Wondering your thoughts on low wattage heat mats to keep plants alive in un heated greenhouse in spring. The mats would be powered by small generator. Perhaps a layer of plastic over the benches where the flats would sit. I currently have two 30 foot greenhouses that are heated with propane which is very expensive and without a blower to move the air. Very inconsistent temps Thanks

[@shineyrocks390]

So since I don't have electricity in my cabin I thought about how a solar oven works. I've got south facing windows on my cabin. I could be wrong but I'm gonna try putting tin foil under the trays as they also will be next to but Not to close to my wood stove. I'll see if it works improvise adapt overcome and endure. Love you God bless

[@ashley1400]

Does the heat mat feel very warm to the touch? Mine doesn't feel warm at all, but it is not the same brand as yours.

[@Sunnycheese]

Hi! Super beginner here. So is using led growing lights the same as the heating mats?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

No. One is heat... The other is light

[@Sunnycheese]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms thanks for the reply! So next question is.... do i use them at the same time if im leaving them in my basement? Im in germantown, wi, zone 5a/5b. Ive researched many videos but no direct answers 😭

[@earthneedplantsearthneedpl2611]

ohh wow thanks for sharing

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers, thanks for watching. :-)

[@DominicUliano]

Great video! Very informative. How cold does your greenhouse get? do you use any additional heatsource? I live in Upstate NY (50km from Canadian border) and want to start seedlings in my garage with grow lights and heat mats so I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks again. Looking forward to part 2 of the Pepper and Tomato videos!!

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Hey Dominic, thanks! With my greenhouse, I have options. Last 2 seasons I have no heated it, just closed up the doors and let it be. No tropical stuff in there and it warmed up fast enough to put the hard-hitting veggie starts like tomatoes and peppers in there by February/March. In the past, I have used an electric radiator on a thermostat and set it to 70F. Once it got up there, the heat would rarely come on during the day, and even at night it would only cost 20 cents a day or so to heat the whole thing! Add in heat mats and lights....they might do the job so you don't need "ambient" heat....but always experiment and test first!

[@DominicUliano]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms Thanks for the quick response. Good suggestion on the electric radiator. I have one and can use that if very cold weather is forecast. Thanks again Very helpful!!

[@amysnipes4245]

And finally ordered 1020 tall humidity domes to move things along.

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Nice Amy!! The humidity domes are such a luxury.....but dang do they ever WORK! 😃

[@sammer28]

Those look like the t5 LED shop lights I'm using. I see west coast seeds, you are Canadian?

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Yeah Samuel, Victoria, BC!

[@sammer28]

@@TheRipeTomatoFarms oh nice! Jasper, Alberta gardener myself

[@ishratsatter5628]

Hello I have seedling mate 45 watt, but I don't think so, feel less. My question is I am trying to long time seed germination ( Bangladeshi bottle groud, hard seeds coat )but didn't germination properly.i lost many seeds. But didn't germination. This seeds need 50-60c hot. Mean too hot like India, sudia like this hot will be germination Can please kindly give me idea. I was tried many Meath after see video. Please kindly tell me how do get 50-60 c degree hit for germination. Kindly tell m

[@equestanton1017]

Heat mats are indispensable. I grow a lot of palm seeds and they need heat and humidity to germinate, primarily bottom heat. Only problem is there are some truly bad mats that don't give nearly enough heat. Just in case they do work as promised being able to adjust the heat for different seeds is a must, so a thermostat is a must. if a thermostat is not required by the manufacture you bet the heat mat is not going to be warm enough for most tropical plants, this includes things like chillies, paprika, cucumber, aubergines etc, not just palm seedlings. A heat mat comparison would be good. Many are just a heat cable encased in housing, the mat part. Heat cables alone are more reliable and easy to use, just bury in a tray of media like sand and place your trays onto that, they're also fully waterproof.

[@gazellecarlson6543]

you should join rumble and get away from facebook and sensored platforms..love your videos thank you

[@DamsLifestyle]

That's very nice..live growing too .new hree

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Right on!! You're veggie sandwich video popped up in my feed a couple days ago! I watched it right away, so good! :-)

[@DamsLifestyle]

Thanks so much and am connected with you now

[@michaelfrazer1807]

Thank You

[@TheRipeTomatoFarms]

Cheers Michael, thanks for watching!

[@homernextdoor5950]

Another great vid! My Carolina reapers have all sprouted in the last couple weeks on a heat mat and one of them is just starting to get its first set of true leaves. The air temp in my basement is 65f, do u recommend taking them off the heat mat yet, or turn down the heat? It's at 85f. Cheers from the Kootenays!😁🇨🇦