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maine USA

I may be constructing a germination box this year. I will be using a heat mat and a light bulb or bulbs to heat the box. It is going to be about 2'x2'x2'. What wattage of bulb should I use and how many bulbs? thanks KathyT

1/11/2008 12:11:42 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

It depends on how well insulated and ventilated it is. I find that a 15 watt works well in my big plastic cooler. You night have to experiment with a thermometer in the box to get the right wattage and ventilation. With a heat mat you might not need a light bulb. If you do use an incandescent bulg, you need to get them out into natural light or under flourescents right after they pop or they will get real leggy.

1/11/2008 1:34:09 PM

Logan Utah

lol i dont even use a light bulb or heat mat i use the top of my fish tank to heat it 100 percent germ reate so far

1/11/2008 3:22:42 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kathyt...don't wait for advice...get yer germ box set up...put yer planting pots in it/filled with a nice organic growing medium...go buy a soil thermometer...and regulate it to 87.5 degrees farenhite!!!(sp?) Unless you have a 1068 Wallace, then the temp should be closer to 92.5!!! Kathy, only you working at this will get yer temps correct!!! Better now than later!?!?!? Peace, Wayne

1/11/2008 6:45:30 PM

Minnesota

Last year I used a heating pad that you heat in the microwave, it last for a few hours,,and a reptike light, it worked.

1/11/2008 7:37:14 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I use an old lady heating pad that can be purchased at any pharmacy.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=62452

I throw it in the bottom of an old cooler. Not visible in this picture is a small reptile tank dial thermometer that sits UNDER one of the seed baggies that I check a couple times a day to make sure the temps are holding steady & not bouncing around.

This same method could be made much fancier to insure a safer process. A real germination mat, digital thermometer with a sending device to a PC for remote monitoring, back up fail safe...na. My old cooler & granny pad have been working fine for years.

1/11/2008 10:54:16 PM

Bristol, ME (stunner906@roadrunner.com)

http://www.mainepumpkins.com/germbox.html

1/12/2008 7:34:42 AM

maine USA

Thanks guys for the advice. Wayne as a lab tech I love your exact numbers, 87.5 and 92.5, that is excellent! :} KathyT

1/12/2008 11:35:34 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kathyt...more important than the exact numbers...is the...idea..of testing for a temp that will work, NOW...rather than adjusting yer temps later...get er dun'!!! Set up that germination box today...test soil temps...test germinate a dozen or more seeds...that way when the day comes for the prized seeds...you will know you have the process figured out!!! Peace, Wayne

1/12/2008 6:41:45 PM

Nicholls Georgia

i have a 3x3x3 and i use a 100 watt bulb that i get from lowes it keeps the temps nice and warm heats up faster

1/19/2008 10:32:11 PM

South Bloomfield, Ohio

Bottom line here Kathy is to maintain a constant temp. of 85-90 degrees and a moist medium.......not wet. There are many ways to accomplish this. Some use the paper towel method. Personally. I constructed a germ box out of a large plastic storage bin lined with siding insulation. Inside a two-pound coffee can in the bottom of the bin, I placed a 25 watt light bulb. 6 inches above, I placed an old oven rack cut to fit the bin and a thermometer is tacked to the insulation at seed level. The light bulb is connected in series with a dimmer switch to control heat. I also use the bin lid to control heat. 100% success in three years of germinating with this set-up.

1/19/2008 10:59:15 PM

Robbins, Tn

Kathy
Mine that i used last year was an old water bed heater inside a thermos cooler...these come with correct settings(temp) cause they have thermostat sensor to control setting, make sure sensor is inside with seeds and temp will not vary...best of luck in '08...Joe

1/20/2008 11:16:52 AM

Greensburg Pa

Kathy, Last year I used a small cooler. I put 2 4 inch pots in it with a 2 liter bottle of 120 degree water. Change the bottle very 7-8 hrs keeps temp 77-86 degree. My seeds were up within 24 hours.

1/20/2008 8:27:09 PM

maine USA

Thanks guys

1/21/2008 11:10:07 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Kathyt, have you tried out yer new germination box yet??? I am sure you have it put together by now!!! LOL Cmon katht let us know!!! Peace, Wayne

2/15/2008 3:26:19 PM

maine USA

Wayne My husband has been out of the country so I have been busy dealing with snow removal over and over again for the last three weeks. I am sooo sick of snow!
I have bought a heat mat, that is as far as I have gotten, which is basically no where! lol Kathy

2/18/2008 1:00:39 PM

Simi valley, ca

I made a small wood box aprox 14 in wide X 20 in long & 10 in high & use 15 watts & sometimes switch to 25 for a while it stays close to 85* up to 90* , ID be carfull with anything over 25 watts , It could fry the little guys !!! Id think 40 watts would be too much !!! Also keep soil moist buy dont keep watering , most germanation failers are do to too much water !!

3/11/2008 11:55:20 PM

California High Desert CinnamintStick@msn.com

I use a chicken incubator to geminate my seeds. It has a fan that circulates the air. I can set it at any temp that I want. I can adjust the humity too. Works great for hot pepper seeds that need a high constant temp. You can buy replacement parts for incubators if you want to use them in your germination box.

3/27/2008 4:11:28 PM

Roblin, Manitoba

I've been experimenting with different germinating techniques these past couple weeks. What has worked the best for me is an old food dehydrator. Its got temperature settings down to 80-85 deg F. I set it at 85 deg, and I use the paper towel method inside a ziplock bag. I've gotten seeds sprouted within 24hrs.

3/27/2008 5:42:24 PM