Starting Seeds...

Recently I read an article (my feeble mind can't remember where...)
about starting seeds.  It stated that when starting seeds in an
environment such as I would, i.e., garage, that the main reason many
seedlings die is because they have only the warmth of an overhead light,
and no warmth from the bottom, as mom nature would provide in an "ideal"
springtime setting where these little guys would be growing naturally.

I looked at the cost of heated growth mats. HA!  Not in this lifetime...
BUT, the mad scientist in me went to work, and I thought of ways to make
my own.  I'd be interested in feedback from folks who start seedlings as
to when they start them, the conditions they do so, is there some reason
I can't start them during the winter - provided they have proper warmth
and light, and if any of you use bottom heat on your seed trays.

I was thinking about a "homemade" growth mat.  My gardening table is a
door that is supported by two saw horses, and it's covered with an el
cheapo plastic table cloth (to protect the wood, and for easy cleanup).
I was thinking about using a twin size electric blanket, keep the
thermostat on LOW, and have my seedling trays placed on wire cookie
cooling racks on top of the blanket.  This would provide low grade
warmth to the bottom of the trays, and in the event the wire racks
conduct too much heat from sitting on the blanket, they could always be
placed on some small wood pieces.  

Of course, I could do a trial run with trays of dirt, and a thermometer
placed in the soil to determine exactly how much heat is being
generated.  Leave the heat off during the day, and warming at night.

Does anyone use heated mats under their seedling trays? Are you using
purchased, or homemade contraptions (as noted above)?

I'd like to hear ideas from the list, as I want to start my seeds EARLY,
i.e. winter if possible, so that these guys are ready to roll when warm
weather hits. (ready to roll = good sized plants with possibilities of
blooms).  

Am I asking for the stars, or should I just be patient and get blooms in
the summer/buy blooming plants from the garden center like everyone
else... <g>

Thanks,

neens
Silverdale, WA
zone 8
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