Starting a planting this time of year can present some challenges, as colder weather can reduce plant enzyme activity and hinder growth. Bringing seed germination into your grow tent can be especially challenging, which is why it's important to use your seedling heat mat correctly. Knowing where to use your heat mat, and for how long, is key to improving your seed starting success.
Before planting your seeds in a plant tray, you must first find a room with adequate insulation. Leaving your seed starter in a cold place with little to no insulation will inhibit the germination process. The climate of such a room will have an effect on the heat output of your seedling mat, even though it can raise the ambient temperature up to 20°. Placing your unit in an insulated room will allow your seedling mat to warm your seeds, giving them the best chance to germinate.
And how long should you leave your heating pad in place? Once you have sown your seeds and placed your plant trays on your seedling pad, keep it on 24 hours a day; this process will not involve any intermittent on/off operation. Your seeds must be subjected to constant heating to keep the propagation process going. Signs of successful germination will include the emergence of small shoots from the soil, and the beginning of these shoots forming leaves. At this point, you can remove your tray from the seedling mat and close it.
The heating output of your seedling mat is regulated to provide evenly distributed and consistent warmth at temperatures up to 86°. While you don't have to worry about any overheating, leaving your seed trays there after your seeds have germinated can lead to undesirable consequences. If left on top of a hot pad, your seedling may end up spindly, while its roots and the surrounding soil will dry out. Your germination is successful even if all the pockets don't sprout.
