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Re: Heating cables

Susan <augustyn@colby.ixks.com> wrote:

> Hello!

> Any advice from seasoned growers on how to supply warmth for germination?
> What are the pros and cons of each kind, such as heating cables versus other
> practices, etc.

For just a few trays worth, you can use a "baseboard" type heater set on low.
By baseboard type I mean one of those long heaters which doesn't have a
glowing element in it, making it relatively safe to use this way (I've done
it myself many times).  Set some narrow boards up on cider blocks, so that
there is enough room for the heater plus 3-4" headroom underneath.  Set up
your florescent lights (or whatever) over this.  If you can enclose this
somewhat to retain the gentle heat (you're aiming for 25-30°C) all the better.

If you want to do more than this than I'd reccomend getting a soil heating
cable.  Some of the shorter ones come with a thermostat built in, but you
cannot adjust preset temperature range they go on/off at.  I prefer cables
without the built in thermostat and use an external, adjustable unit to
control the heat.  These cables come in various lengths, up to 240' long.
The 100' long cable is enough to cover the equivelant of a 4x8 area (a full
sheet of plywood).  I have a bench with 1" built up sides, filled with clean
sand that the heating cable is sunk into.  It works great and allows me to
get good germination of warmth requiring seeds without having to overheat
my entire greenhouse.

I'm sure there are other simple methods that have been successful for growers. 

> Also, at what point is it beneficial to reduce the heat for seedlings to
> prevent  leggy growth?

As soon as the bulk have germinated remove the seedlings from the heat.
"Growing on" temperatures are typically 10-15°C lower than those required for
germination.  

Cheers!

--
 Bob Carter  -  bcarter@awinc.com
 Kootenay Bay, BC, Canada  -  Zone 6b
--

I can SPELL, I just can't TYPE worth a hoot !
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