RE: Campanula speed up

Barbara, 
     Here's what I used to do.  The VCR on my TV is comfortably warm all the time and is big enough to hold one small flat of seeds.  I put a towel covered with plastic on top of the VCR and it gave good bottom heat to the seeds.  I don't recommend it for others (its too easy to run water into your VCR), but it worked for me. 
     Now, however, when the heating mat in the GH is full, I put the flats under the shop lights in the basement (as you describe).  I have hung 6 ml plastic from the hood of the shop lights that drape down all around the table the flats are on (a home built one at a very comfortable height and big swivel wheels so it is easy to move) .  In effect,  a nice snug, high humidity germinating chamber.  The lights (2 pair of 4' tubes hanging side by side, suspended on pulleys so they can be adjusted up and down) are on a timer.  I have found this to be especially good for tiny seeds that are surface sown and need light to germinate.  It is also good for small seedlings that need to have the lights close to them so they don't get leggy.  I gradually open the plastic tent to get them acclimated to cooler air just before they are ready to prick out and transplant.  Then they go into the GH to sit on an open bench.  Where there is a will there is a way....Marilyn
 
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-perennials@mallorn.com [mailto:owner-perennials@mallorn.com]On Behalf Of WHTROS@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2000 7:21 AM
To: perennials@mallorn.com
Subject: Re: Campanula speed up

Happy Holidays, Paul --
Thank you for the tip on using a glass of water to test the temp.
I never felt very confident of putting the thermometer in the pot.

I may have been unclear about when I was inquiring about using the heat
cables.  I was only wondering about using them in the germinating process.  I
agree that growing most things is best in cooler temps which my basement is
perfect.

And I like the suggestion of enclosing the area to keep the heat in my
germination pots warmer and the area at a more even temp.  I had tried
putting a few pots under a standard table lamp and tried different watt light
bulbs.  I had the lamp in the front window so the germ pots would get both
kinds of light.  I also tried using an electric heating pad but the center
germ pots would be warmer that the ones around the edges.

I keep my home at F 70 or a little less. Newer appliances run cooler than
older ones and most don't have pilot lights anymore.  Otherwise the top of
the frig would produce desired warmer temps.

Another concern has been the fluctuation in temps without a thermostat to
keep a more constant temp.  Some of the instructions call for cooler temps at
night.

Thank you all again for your comments and suggestions,
Barbara
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