The flexible heating mat measures 10 inches long by 20 inches wide, is IXP-rated for water resistance, and it turns on by plugging the cord into an outlet—no controller is included. The plastic grow tray is also 10 inches by 20 inches, and it can hold growing medium, peat moss grow pellets, or plastic growing containers. The heating mat raises the growing medium’s temperature 10 to 20 degrees above room temperature. The dome, made of durable clear plastic, supports a T5 fluorescent light tube in its center (included); its function is to retain humidity and reduce watering needs. In addition, heating pads for the human body are not designed to withstand the moisture that often accompanies seed starting. A seedling heat mat is the best option, both for safety and for growing success. Type

Unlike standard heating pads used to soothe sore muscles, seedling heat mats don’t get hot. Most heat pads will maintain a temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, although some can maintain temperatures of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.While those are the most common sizes, other sizes are available. For example, some come in long roll-out mats for heating many trays or in narrow strips designed to fit on a windowsill. Waterproof Rating A soilless seed-starting medium or sterile potting soil are the best options for encouraging germination. These formulations are germ-free and contain various ingredients such as peat moss, perlite, and coconut coir. Avoid starting seeds in garden soil, which can contain contaminants. Q. When should seedlings be removed from the heat mat? From now on you should take care of the lawn in a traditional way. In other words, watering, fertilizing, and cutting it. They should be removed as soon as they sprout. Often, even if only a handful of seeds sprout, the others will sprout after the grow tray is removed from the heat because they already have benefited from the added warmth. Why Trust Bob Vila

The best seedling heat mats are safe, effective, and increase the seed germination rate. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a heat mat, and find out why any of the following would be a beneficial addition to an indoor gardening tool collection. IPX4: A seedling heat mat that bears an IPX4 rating indicates that the mat is water resistant and will withstand sprays of water, spills, and splashes without damage. It is not, however, designed to be fully submerged beneath the water. GrassMat™ Supreme is ideal for use in conjunction with our GrassMesh™ range of turf reinforcement meshes in areas where no grass exists to provide a clean surface. Lawns Perfection Raising a growing medium’s temperature up to 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit helps trigger germination for many common seeds such as tomato, squash, basil, and other varieties. In most homes, however, room temperature is usually 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. A standard heating pad—the kind for sore muscles—isn’t recommended because it could get too hot and keep the seeds from sprouting. The mat features a supple PVC plastic outer layer with an inner layer of iPower carbon heating film. The iPower mat is IP67 waterproof but doesn’t include a controller as standard (shoppers can add a controller to the bundle if desired). Plug the mat into a household outlet to start heating and unplug it to turn it off. The large mat is also versatile—users can place it under fermenting kombucha, yogurt, or beer.Seedling heat mats come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being 10 inches by 20 inches, which corresponds with the size of a standard plastic growing tray. Indoor gardeners who want to heat additional seed trays can find a larger size—20 inches by 48 inches—which is sufficient for holding four standard grow trays side by side. Many of the options on our list are also available in various sizes, so they’re able to meet most shoppers’ needs depending on their project. Options range from mats with smaller and thinner strips—ideal for wrapping around and heating up containers for rooting cuttings—to oversize mats that are suitable for large growing projects. Pet owners can also slip a seedling heat mat under a blanket or a towel to warm up a pet bed. The supple nature of seedling heat mats makes them easy to store as well—simply roll up the mat and wrap the cord around it. When it’s time to start seeds again, it will roll out easily and perform its task. Additional Features

The mat measures 10 inches long by 20.75 inches wide—just the right size for slipping beneath a standard growing tray. It features a controller and a thermometer probe attached to the power cord for adjusting the mat temperature while also monitoring the growing medium’s temperature. The Vivosun is IP67-waterproof rated, so it is safe to use in wet environments, and it’s simple to clean—just wipe with a damp rag. Growing system: For those wanting a more inclusive approach, heat mats are also available as part of grow kits that feature humidity domes. The domes keep the medium and new seedlings moist and protected. Expect to pay about twice as much for an inclusive grow kit that comes with a heating mat and a humidity dome. Increase seed germination without overspending. The Vivohome seedling heat mat doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, but it raises the seed-starting medium’s temperature 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above room temperature, which is usually suitable for encouraging seeds to sprout. Measuring in at 10 inches long by 20.75 inches wide, the mat is just the right size for holding a standard rectangular growing tray, and it has a water resistant IPX-4 rating.Seed mats are pieces of fabric or paper with seeds embedded in them to make the seeds easier to plant. They are similar in concept to seed tapes, but are generally wider and are designed to cover a larger area. There are many reasons why gardeners may choose to use seed mats. They can be used for almost any type of seed: vegetables, flowers, and even turf and lawn. You can buy them ready-made or make your own. Its innovative construction traps seed and fertilizer securely and evenly within the mat so they cannot be disturbed during handling, transportation, installation and settlement (a common problem with previous blankets). Inside GrassMat™ Supreme, the seeds sprout and grow well, protected from washout and deprivation, to give excellent grass cover results. Easy to Install Starting seeds indoors to later transplant to a garden or pots is growing in popularity, and seedling heat mats speed the process. Still, new gardeners will likely have a few questions. Q. What is the right size for a seedling heat mat?