Topic: Heating for seed trays?

[Hyacinth]

Howz about this for an idea, then, please?

I've just been given a brand-new electric blanket - the sort that you put under a sheet. Before I offload it to a charity shop, I wondered...could I use it on a spare bed to provide heat to seedlings, perhaps?

Cheers!

[tim]

Why not?

Polystyrene underneath & polythene on top.

[Hyacinth]

I was wondering why not, too - seems so easy there must be a catch somewhere?

[MrsKP]

as long as it's waterproofed, i can't see a problem .......... off to ebay to find one  ;D

[katynewbie]

???

ebay?????? you mean there are OTHER web sites on this thing?!!!!

 ;)

[grawrc]

What a good idea! I even have the electric blanket..... Now who shall I throw out to get a spare bed? ;D ;D ;D

[glow777]

Won't the cost of leaving an electric blanket on 24/7 be a touch too much compared with buying an electric seed propagator?

Ian - who knows nothing about how electricity works (and costs)

[tim]

2nd thoughts - if you were to use it as I suggested, as you would a bench mat, I think that it would overheat?

What's the wattage, Lishka.

[RSJK]

Do not think I would like the idea of using a electric blanket for heating, sounds a bit dangerous to me.

[MrsKP]

???

ebay?????? you mean there are OTHER web sites on this thing?!!!!

 ;)

oops sorry lapsed into a moment of wandering there.   :-\

[Hyacinth]

Sorted out my new 'heating mat' & starting my seeds off this w/end :)

The blanket is one designed to be used constantly throughout the night & also has 3 heat settings. I've a beech framed mesh children's cot base to put on top. On top of that will rest all my seed trays..oh, and I've also got timer I can programme in, too.

Hmm, one way and another, reckon I'm going for it ;D

[grawrc]

let us know how it goes please!

[digswell]

Personally having been an electrician I would not be keen to leave an electric blanket on for extended periods of time. I would also not recommend buying a secondhand one on safety grounds as you never know how it has been treated before. :o
Current advice is to get electric blankets electrically tested regularly, as in use they are subjected to a range of stresses and strains.

Admittedly you don't get as much space but I have used the heating trays that you sit homebrew fermenting bins on with some success, these generate a constant level of heat, are fairly waterproof and are designed for being left on for weeks on end.

Alternatively for free heat put a layer of fresh manure in the bottom of your coldframe, cover it with weed proof membrane and stand your pots and seed trays on that, the fresh manure as it breaks down will generate heat. :)

[Hyacinth]

DW, the blanket was brand new, had the kite mark, & is marketed for all-night use. Furthermore, nothing will be resting directly on it. It will be used for the short time the seeds need to germinate, only.

The fresh manure idea is a good one, but not perhaps in my study/spare room?

 :-* Lishka

[vee]

I used to have a free standing central heating boiler which was fantastic for bottom heat for seeds. Sadly we replaced it with a new one which is on the wall.