Growing an indoor herb garden with a heat mat for seedlings is the perfect way to get a head start on the season, or just enjoy fresh herbs anytime of the year. A few years ago, I discovered the benefits of a heating mat to encourage my optimal temperature and seed germination.
Every year, I get spring fever, long before the snow has melted. I want to get my hands back in the garden and smell the scent of warm dirt, plants, and sunshine. So, to help me get through the last couple of months, before I can actually get outside to garden, I like to grow indoor plants including basil, cilantro, and other heat-loving plants in a seedling tray. I use the herbs in my kitchen for cooking and for beauty.
One year I had the unfortunate experience of planting seeds in seed trays and watching only a very few of them grow. Did I overwater or were the seeds old? Finally, I discovered the reason.
First, I planted on a cloudy day, followed by another cloudy day, a snowstorm, and more overcast days. I had placed my seedlings by a south facing window, but because there was no direct sunlight, it was chilly. Many of the seedlings stayed wet, cold, and eventually rotted.
Seed Germination
Seeds need to be warm enough to be able to germinate, or sprout. I found a helpful chart from Oregon State University on soil temperature conditions and seed germination rates. Basically, if the soil isn’t warm enough, your seeds won’t sprout.
From then on, I tried to look at the weather forecast. I would only plant on days where I would have a few days of sunshine and warm temperatures to help my seeds germinate. Unfortunately, living in Wyoming, there weren’t always sunny days when I was ready to plant. Furthermore, even when there were sunny days, there was such a variation in days the seedlings would sprout.
What is a Heating Mat?
After doing a little research, I found that I could use a heating mat for seedlings to keep the soil at an ideal soil temperature for the seeds to germinate, no matter what the weather was outside.
A heat mat is coil or film of strong heating wire elements surrounded by a waterproof cover. Some come with an external thermostat to help with precise temperature control, others have that feature built in to keep a steady temperature within a certain range, while others just keep the temperature between 10-15 degrees above the ambient air temperature. They come in a variety of sizes and to accommodate many seed trays.
I found and purchased THIS mat. It keeps a warm temperature between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. I have happy, cozy seeds with it, and have had a great success rate and uniform germination.
Benefits of a Heating Mat for Seedlings
With a heating mat, seeds had a faster germination and more reliable growth rates. They also encourage vigorous growth for the roots of your plants. Heat mats make a great tool for gardeners who want to get an early start on spring. They are very easy to use, economical in their energy usage, and versatile in their application. I’ve even seen them used in a basement or garage in conjunction with a grow light to start seedlings almost anywhere.
When Should Seedlings Be Removed from Heating Mat
The heating mat works wonders for my seedlings. They grow quickly and beautifully in these ideal conditions. I simply plant my seeds in the seedling tray, set them on the mat, and plug it in. I like to water the newly planted seeds from the bottom up, so as to not wash the seeds up. Then I cover the seeds with the plastic humidity dome, and let the heating mat go to work.
When most of the seeds have sprouted, you can take them off the heating mat. In fact, it’s better to take them off to avoid too quick, weak growth from the plants, or mold on the soil. The heating mats have done their job and can be put away for another seed starting day. Maybe your garden could use the addition of a seedling heat mat!
Best Heat Mat for Seedlings
Here are some of the best jump start heat mats for indoor use.
- Best Overall: VIVOSUN Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set. FIND HERE
- Best Price: Seedfactor MET Certified Seedling Heat Mat. FIND HERE
- Best Various Sizes and Quantity Availability: HYDOGOOHO Seedling Mat Certified Waterproof Heat Mat. FIND HERE
- Easy to Use Adjustable Temperature controls: BN-LINK Durable Seedling Heat Mat Heating Pad with Digital Thermostat Controller. FIND HERE
- Best All in One Kit: SoLigt 2 Set 60-Cell Seed Starter Kit. FIND HERE
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Read more about gardening in the short growing seasons of Wyoming
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My Heat Mat
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This is so helpful! Thank you!
You are welcome!
This is exactly what I have been needing! Thank you!!