Heat mat recomendations

Discussion in 'Tropical Gardening' started by markharry66, Jan 9, 2026 at 8:49 AM.

  1. markharry66

    markharry66 Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2026
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +24
    Recently purchased a garland 7 tray window propogator recent temperatures have killed off all the seeds. As propogator doesn't have a thermostat and only heats up to 13 degrees can anyone recommend one that's suitable for tropical seeds. Than you in advance I have limited space window seal in unheated room
     
  2. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    34,238
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Surrey
    Ratings:
    +54,451
    I think a variable propagator with thermostat would be advisable for starting seeds this time of year.

    I have a garland prop with no control, it's in an unheated room and only raises the temp by 5 degrees. I've only got onion seedlings so far and they can tolerate cold nights once germinated. It's been getting down to 10c overnight so far too cold for germination. I germinate all mine next to the boiler in a utility room, it's around 19 to 21c all day and night. An airing cupboard would also work, just need to constantly check for seedlings appearing and move under grow lamps.

    Have you got a max min thermometer? They are essential to keep check. I use a couple so I know the room temp and also the prop temp. With a fixed prop you don't have much control apart from adjusting vents.
     
  3. Pete8

    Pete8 Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Messages:
    1,069
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Billericay, Essex
    Ratings:
    +2,682
    I use one very similar to this one. It keeps my propagator around 24c even in my unheated greenhouse - but I don't use it until March.

    Garden Greenhouse Plant Seedling Heat Mat Thermostat With Temperature Control | eBay UK

    PS - I put the heat mat on the bottom of my propagator (my propagator sits on some insulating foam) and about 1" of sand on top of the mat - the sand keeps the heat stable and acts sort of like a storage heater.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • markharry66

      markharry66 Apprentice Gardener

      Joined:
      Jan 1, 2026
      Messages:
      8
      Gender:
      Male
      Ratings:
      +24
      Thank you for recommendation have purchased this will give it a go.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • infradig

        infradig Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Apr 28, 2022
        Messages:
        1,658
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Freelance self preservationist
        Location:
        Solent
        Ratings:
        +1,990
        • Like Like x 1
        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

          Joined:
          Jan 9, 2005
          Messages:
          56,965
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Retired
          Location:
          Mid Kent
          Ratings:
          +111,887
          I'm just wondering if you might be a bit early, germination is the easy bit at this time of year, growing on afterwards is often the problem if you are restricted for heated space.
           
          • Agree Agree x 4
          • ricky101

            ricky101 Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Jun 15, 2016
            Messages:
            3,701
            Gender:
            Male
            Location:
            Sheffield
            Ratings:
            +4,601
            For any such heated propagator you are better placing it on a thick layer (eg 25mm) of polystyrene to act as an insulator from the cold below.

            Also making a secondary larger cover to help keep as much heat in as possible.
            Use some cheap bubble wrap to make an effective cover and if possible remove the unit away from the window during this cold weather.

            That said you then have to be doubly careful on a window cill as on a sunny day even in winter the propagator can get way too hot and the seedlings wilt.

            As said, its very early for seed sowing without some heating and lighting not just for the germination but to keep the seedling and young plants growing in these winter months, with Tropical (?) plants even more difficult.
             
          • Pete8

            Pete8 Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Aug 29, 2017
            Messages:
            1,069
            Gender:
            Male
            Occupation:
            Retired
            Location:
            Billericay, Essex
            Ratings:
            +2,682
            This is one of my 2 heated propagators I cobbled together -
            P1040635.JPG
             
            • Like Like x 2
            Loading...

            Share This Page

            1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
              By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
              Dismiss Notice