Heat Mat Question

[gardenfather]

I just bought a Heat Mat Today. But my Seeds are starting to come through the Rockwool and they have 4 small tiny leaves. Should I use the heat mat? or just leave it for next time? Also when should I stop using a Heat Mat?


Thanks

 

[catbuds]

Congrats! I love my heat mats! Been using them since they first went to market. Before that, it was soil heating cables. The way your seeds are popping, your medium is plenty warm as is. Seeds don't like a chilly medium & will let you know by SLOW germination, sometimes even rotting in cold damp soil. But you're fine. In chilly seasons, I leave mine on the mat for up to a week. After that, they're sturdy enough to not mind a slight chill. If the room is warm, they actually object to sitting on the mat longer than that. In a warm room, I only leave them on the mat untill they break soil. Hope this helps. So much can be subjective.

 

[gardenfather]

Thanks for your reply. My rockwool is cold so maybe I should put it on. Or just leave it as is? Thanks

 

[Baked Alaskan]

I've had to use heat mats living in Alaska. if you are not using a thermostat controller I would suggest using one. I also use cooking thermometers in the grow medium to check what the temperature is.

 

[lilac.rain]

once ir has a set of serrated leaves or two it should be fine unless you are in an extremely cold climate