How Long To Use Heat Pad?

donsabi · Sun Mar 25, 2012 1:06 pm

I haven't garden in many years. Years ago I started my plants on top of the refrigerator and then moved then to fluorescent lights once sprouted. I usually had good success.

This time I have plant heat pads that I adjusted to 78 degrees and sprouted my seeds with good results. . My house is 72 degrees and the plants are under 2x 48" plant lights surround framed plastic for humidity control. After a few weeks my seedlings did not look healthy and became pale green.

Yesterday I transplanted my seedlings to larger containers and while the plant tops did not look so good, (pale green), the roots looked well developed. These plants are now outside in a small portable green house.

I believe I followed good protocol with the only difference being the plant heat pads. How long should a heat pad be used under these conditions?

Thanks,
don

rainbowgardener · Sun Mar 25, 2012 2:06 pm

They only need to be used to germinate the seeds, once it is well sprouted, they seedlings can be moved off the heat pad, though I like to leave them until they get the first true leaves. Then I move things off to make room on the heat pad to germinate more seeds. But as far as I know, plants can be left on the heat pads indefinitely as long as they are indoors, without ill effects. The heat pad does tend to dry the soil out quicker, so you need to stay on top of watering very regularly.

But plants seeming pale is not likely due to being on the heat pad. I would think either not enough light or not enough nutrients. Are they in seed starting mix? The seed starting mix is sterile, does not have any nutrients; it is just for germinating the seeds. After that, you either have to be fertilizing regularly or move them to regular potting soil with nutrients.

donsabi · Sun Mar 25, 2012 3:42 pm

rainbowgardener

Thanks for your post. As you pointed out I did use starting soil mix. I believe you are right. Years ago I made my own starting mix but I no longer remember all that I put it in. My plants are now in a fertile potting mix and hopefully they will correct themselves.
don