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Gardeners’ Forum: “heat for trays under growlights in cold basement HELP!”

• heat for trays under growlights in cold basement HELP!

  Posted by Susan King on Friday, February 29, 2008 2:14 pm AST

  What can I do for heat for my trays in my cold basement?? Can heating cables be used on top of tables with trays on top of them, or would that cause a fire?? What does everyone else use??

  • re: heat for trays under growlights in cold basement HELP!

    Posted by Cheryl Mackenzie on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 4:55 pm AST

    I too have a very cold basement, it probably sits around 5-10C. I find I still do not need extra heat under my flats as I have them sitting 2-4" under the growlights, the growlights still provided enough heat and I get nice sturdy plants.

  • re: heat for trays under growlights in cold basement HELP!

    Posted by Jim on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 9:49 pm AST

    Hi Susan, I currently use a heat mat like the one in Vessy's indoor starter kit. I used to use a plywood tray that was 18" x 48" with heating cables buried in 2" of dry sand. This also worked very well.

  • re: heat for trays under growlights in cold basement HELP!

    Posted by Susan King on Sunday, March 16, 2008 6:17 pm ADT

    Thank you Cheryl and Jim. I looked for a second hand electric blanket and a heater from a waterbed, but couldn't find any. I will see what happens without heat.

  • re: heat for trays under growlights in cold basement HELP!

    Posted by linda on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:11 am ADT

    I used standard heating pads, set on low. wrap a plastic bag around pad to prevent any moisture getting to pad. Also a plastic lid or wrap over tray slows heat loss. Good luck from Alberta

  • re: heat for trays under growlights in cold basement HELP!

    Posted by Howard Harvey on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 4:36 pm ADT

    I made two separate boxes, about 10 inches high, exactly the size of the plastic growing trays that I use. I set the trays' edge on the top of the box covering the top completely. Then, I put a receptable inside the box and used a 40-watt light bulb for heat. Also, cut a hand-size hole in the side opposite the bulb and use the cut-out piece as a stopper to remove in case the light bulb burns out during the growing season. That way, the seedlings do not have to be disturbed.