Hydrofarm Jump Start MT10006 19.5 x 9 inches Hydroponic Garden Seedling Heat Mat

I am using my heat mat with a Burpee self-watering seed starting system right now. I also got the matching thermostat. The system easily keeps the soil medium 10-12 degrees above room temperature. I had some fears of having a heat pad running unattended but it never gets hot, only what I would call very warm to the touch. And it doesn't take much power. It's also quite substancial. You'd have to be very careless to damage it. My seeds germinated in from 2 (Yes!) to 5 days. One caveat. I periodicaly point a very small fan in the plants' direction to ward off "damping off". The soil will cool down significantly while the fan is on but recovers quickly when it is shut off. So far I am very pleased.

I have been starting seeds that need a longer growing season indoors for several years now as well as nectar plants and the results using your seedling heat mats are PHENOMENAL!! I started some seeds the other day and, no kidding here, the seeds started germinating in TWO days!! I DEFINITELY credit the seedling heat mat for this fast germination! As a matter of fact, this is the first time that I can recall where I had germination THAT fast since using your heat mats! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND seedling heat mats if you are going to start seedlings AND to root cuttings indoors!

After reading the reviews, I decided to purchase this mat. Keeping seeds warm in a 60 degree basement is difficult I learned. The mat seemed to be the best solution & it was. Seeds sprouted , were warm & seedlings are thriving. Good purchase tho I do wish it was made in the US.

after many years of starting seeds at room temperature, I decided it was time to spring for heat mats so I bought (2) 3x20s...planted the seeds this Monday (2-1-16) and by yesterday (2-4-16) I had 12 out of 24 seeds germinated...I'll attach pictures which will show you what I did better than I can explain...in years past it would always take 10 days or so see any results...I usually start my seeds 10 weeks before schedule planting...I think I may have started these too soon!

I had long been deterred by the $39.95 price tag on this mat, but now that I've bought it I'm so glad I did. It gives a good 10-15 degree increase in heat, evenly distributed across the mat, except at the ends (the short sides of the rectangle) which stay a little cooler. The 20 degree increase promised in the description might be a bit of a stretch. Nonetheless, it gives an immediate and tangible benefit to the seedlings, which sprout faster and more vigorously. It makes germination a lot more fun! On the product packaging, it mentions that you should put an insulating layer between the mat and the surface it's on; a cold surface will suck up a lot of the heat. For this, I recommend keeping the box it comes in, not only is it just the right size, but air is the best insulator of all.