Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Trick for starting seeds, 0 by xeriscape8321

xeriscape8321 wrote:
No one argues the fact that bottom warming of a seed flat will aid in seed germination. A gentle flow of heat (usually in the form of a heating mat) can seriously speed up germintion rates as well. I had my heating mat in use and was in need of a heat source fro my newly planted seeds. I came up with the idea of using my Cable box as a heating source. It produces a steady flow of warmth gentle enough to be a great substitute for a heating mat. Two things must be taken into account first. There can be no holes at the bottom of the seedling containers (you don't want water seeping into your electrical box. Secondly remember that if you have vents on the top of your box (some have them in the rear) You must leave some of them clear for air flow ito your box, so a large seed flat covering the top of your cable box and it's vents is not an option.
Anyway this has worked very well for me and I have had great success with my seed germinating projects.
I just thought I would share this hint for people without heating pads to get a head start on thier seed projects as well.