Seed starting

[Reedo5]

Do i need a heat mat and grow light to start seeds inside like what are my advantages an disadvantages?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It depends on what plants you are growing. They all require different sprouting temperatures. It can vary from 35-90F depending what plant you are sprouting. Usually lettuces, other spring greens, onion and other root crops like radish don't need much heat. At the other end of the spectrum are melons, tomatoes, peppers and other hot weather plants.
Whether you need a heat mat depends on what you are going to plant.
https://harvesttotable.com/vegetable-seed-germination-temperatures/

 

[Reedo5]

Tomatos, squash, peppers, cucumbers thats for the link an info!

 

[Farmdog267]

You'll want a good sunny area or a full spectrum grow light will help the seedlings grow strong!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

We now have lots of options with LEDs. But years ago, I read through an extensive test on a variety of lighting methods in starting tomato seedlings. While fluorescent grow lights were effective but pricey, the 'kitchen and bath' fluorescent lights were just as effective and much lower in cost. All of my fluorescent fixtures where I start seedlings are kitchen and bath type and they work well. I'll start looking at LED options.

 

[ChickenLady2014]

Tomato seedlings emerging on day 3 with heat mat. LED lighting on new seedlings. Both mat & LED lighting are a first for me. I have always used fluorescent lights & natural lighting. I'm also using the heat mat to try to germinate some really hard to germinate hot pepper varieties. This is a first for that. They dont require the LED light right now, they just need the heat from the mat. Fingers crossed that I will be successful at germinating & growing a few super hot peppers.

In a week I will probably need to put some of them in my incubator so I can free up some space to start my cabbage & broccoli seeds. Hoping these will be successful. I have only ever started tomato plants & flowers. Sorry about the long post & I hope you all don't mind me dropping in.

 

[Reedo5]

Thank you all for your help an info! I organized a good spot in my basment set up a table that gets good sun, an put an extra electric heater in that room. Due to me being late on timing on getting them started an availability of heat mats im gonna go with a basic old school way this yr an record how they do. Then next yr get mats and a light. I appreciate all the input for sure an ofcourse ill be updating on How there doing.

 

[speedy2020]

No heat mat need. I just put my at the window where the sun shine part of the day. Just remember to water regularly.

 

[Reedo5]

With just window sunshine an watering an turning them there doing great!