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Re: Heater for seed trays

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

>Anyone know what I can use to keep seed trays warm in an unheated
>garage?
>
>Dave
>


A couple of suggestions.  Someone recently told me they use waterbed 
heaters.  Says they cost @ $30 new. 

 If you are moderately handy, you can build a light bulb heated box 
fairly inexpensively. 

Someone kindly sent me these instructions.  The Feb 1999 National 
Gardening Magazine has instructions for a heated box for starting seeds 
on page 28. Build an  8" high X 24" X 48" box from 1/2" plywood.  
Insulate the interior sides of box with 1" blueboard or plastic foam.  
Mount 4 outdoor light sockets evenly spaced in bottom of the box connect 
in serial together with electric cord exiting through hole in one side.  
Use 40 watt bulbs. For the top cut a piece of metal sheeting to fit to 
outside edges.  paint underside of metal black to retain heat from 
bulbs.  Fasten metal securely to box with L brackets.  With lights 
turned on 24 hours a day pots of seedlings placed on top stay between 
70* and 75*F, even in unheated basement.  Place thermometer on metal 
sheet,  if temp goes above 75* turn
bulbs off a few hours.  Be sure to place pots in a plastic tray and 
remove from the top of box to water to avoid getting water in the box 
& shor tcircuiting light fixtures.

You can modify this any way you want.  I built them 2 feet by 2 feet 
since they were easier to handle. Used plexiglas that I had hanging 
around for the tops.  Sealed it with caulk so there is no way water is 
going to get to the light fixtures.   Used regular rather than outside 
fixtures which I don't think you need as long as you are a bit careful 
with watering (it would be nice if the plug you used was protected by a 
GFI circuit).  

You can buy the lights at any Home Depot for @ a dollar each.  Use lamp 
wire to connect them.  

I am a firm believer in recycling.  If someone is building new houses 
near you, stop by and ask if you can have some of the scrap wood they 
plan to throw out.  You can get whatever you need to build these for 
nothing.

Bill McKay in Eastern Massachusetts
 

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