1. Here is how you can effectively use a seedling mat
Seeds are the very foundation to a great garden. Whether it is a vegetable or an herb or a flower, they
all begin with a seed. Just like how ideal conditions are necessary for anything small in life to spring up
and grow well, seeds are no different. An ideal environment is a must for seeds to effectively
germinate.
There are a variety of factors that determine what makes a good environment for seeds to sprout.
Amongst these is soil. The soil needs to be at the right temperature to cause the seeds to sprout and
germinate. Cold weather and cold temperature conditions will not help, soil needs warm temperature.
This is universally true for any kind of seed.
While it is possible that under the most ideal natural temperature conditions, seeds can germinate,
sprout and grow, it is most often the case that excessive sun or excessive cold temperature will do more
harm than good to getting seeds to start. Seed Heat Mats can do wonders! Heating mat seedling is one
of the most talked about and discussed topics for this very reason. The reason seeding heat mats work
so well is because they render a uniform temperature to the soil and this causes the soil to remain warm
enough to help seeds germinate. The seedling heat mats are effectively soil warming mats!
You now appreciate the use of a seed starter heat mat, now here is how you can put the germination
mat to good use. Firstly, you should realize that most seed germination mats raise the ambient
temperature from 10 to 20 degrees above or below. Thus, ensure that the ambient temperature is not
too hot or too cold to begin with. While plant heating mats certainly help accomplish the goal of
germination, a non‐ideal temperature surrounding will not help in the purpose. Once you pick the right
ambient temperature setting for your seeds, set the seed heat mat in a fashion where you can spread
the seed flats evenly. Once done, ensure that you create sufficient moisture by watering. Needless to
say, just as super high or super cold temperatures will not help, you must ensure that you do not over
water the soil to cause it to flow. The goal is just to get the soil moist. Any more or any less will not help
the seeds. You could dome the spread with an accessory or you could simply use a wrap to cover. Such
a wrap could be plastic. Ensure of‐course that the cover is not exhaustive so as to prevent air from
flowing freely. In addition to moist soil, air is vital to help in the germination process.
Since the temperature gradient provided by the seeding heat mat starter is 10 to 20 degrees above or
below ambient, watch the ambient temperature and set the heat mat seed temperature suitably. Once
the seedlings are big enough, you should transfer the seed flats from the seedling heat mat onto a
bigger container source. Follow the above simple steps and you will be well on your way to a beautiful
garden and horticulture experience!