3 Best Seedling Heat Mats With Thermostat For Germination 2021 Update

Growing seeds requires the best germination conditions, especially warmth. This product review explains the most cost-effective seedling heat mats with thermostat that will speed up germination and maximize yield.
Since there are various types of seeds, there are different germination conditions as well. Seeds need enough light, air, moisture, and heat.
For urban gardeners, you may be starting seeds indoors. Hence, you might not have warm soil. A seedling mat is a waterproof growing medium that uses heating coils to produce constant warmth.
I’ve provided important details and tips in selecting the right seedling heat pad. These will help you keep the soil warm and test new seeds.
Once you’ve chosen a model, you can maintain the crucial germination environment to start early and harvest on time.
The guide below will help you pick the best seedling heat mat with thermostat that will suit your requirements to start seeds indoors and produce your own transplants and get ahead on your spring garden.

Thermostat Controllers
A thermostat controller might come with the heating mat, but you also might need to buy additional ones if you are looking to get accurate readings. Some say that a thermostat controller is not necessary, but most gardeners disagree. If you want to get the most effectiveness out of your seedling heating mats, you should absolutely regulate the heat with a thermostat.

ECO Farm 10"x20" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard

The ECO Farm Heat mat has multilayer insulation and maintains an even temperature. The seedling heat mat is made of new, stronger heating wire and features a thicker multi-layer construction. It also comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Besides using for seeds, some people use it on a daily basis to keep their drinks warm or provide heat to house pets.
It measures 10″ x 20,” the same size as the Vivosun and Jump Start models. It has an auto shut down feature when it reaches the target temperature, so it minimizes your work in not needing to check it as frequently.

The thermostat controller improves propagation rates by keeping ideal root temperatures between 68 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
This control device enables gardeners to choose and maintain optimum rooting temperatures. In this way, you earn faster seedling and cutting growth.
This is one of the easiest germinating mats to use. Simply place the unit mat on a flat, dry surface. Put the seedling trays on top. Plug the cord into a standard 120V outlet.
On the other hand, the digital controller features a three-button interface for easy calibration and simple operation. The LED screen shows the current temperature whenever the SET is not activated.
Press the SET button to display the current pre-set temperature. Then, press the up or down button to adjust the temperature.
The heating light cycle is on when the mat is not emitting heat. The light will turn off automatically when the mat hits the pre-set temperature.
Next, press and hold the DOWN button for three seconds to show the temperature in Celsius. Press and hold the UP button to display the temperature in Fahrenheit.
The package comes with a seedling heat mat, a 1-pack digital thermostat controller

iPower GLHTMTCTRLHTMTS 10″ x 20.5″ 

This product can be used for not only one but also various other purposes, such as warming up your drinks or being a wonderful source of heat for your pet. In case you have a reptile or insects, iPower will be one of the best heat mats and thermostats that you can ever possess. Placing them under a hedgehog enclosure and your pet will be fine.

Its small size is also one of the features that help you maintain the quality of the product excellent. Unlike VIVOSUN, you can fold it and put it in any corner of your house. Nevertheless, sometimes, small size is a drawback. Mainly, when you want to sprout over 15 different types of seeds, only one iPower heat mat will not be enough.

Apart from that, the product is also very convenient for busy homemakers because it takes a little time to clean. Due to its durable, sturdy, and waterproof construction, you can just flick off the mat after using, and dirt will not have any chance to stick on it. One more thing that may interest you is the modern LED light on the thermostat of this product. No matter day or night, you will be able to take control of the temperature and germination of your seeds. And you will find your sleep much more comfortable at night when discovering that the mat has a smart temperature sensor.

It will shut down on auto-pilot when the heat reaches the level you want and automatically turn on when the temperature is too low (about 2 to 4 Fahrenheit degrees). That is why you can be out of the house for a whole day without worrying about your plants and save tons of money on energy bills. How amazing!

Nevertheless, there is one thing to warn you that various products in the market are being faked. Therefore, you can find lots of iPower best heat mats and thermostats with low durability. The tip for you is to find iPower label on the product to avoid purchasing the wrong heat mat.

Pros

• Versatile
• Easy to clean
• Modern LED light on the thermostat
• Fantastic temperature sensor
• Energy saving

Cons

• Small size
• Not so durable

Vivosun Heat Mat & Thermostat Set

Looking for a kit that combines both a reliable thermostat and your heating mat? Vivosun’s 48″x20″ mat has been packaged with their own digital thermostat in this starter kit. This gives you enough warm surface area to handle four propagation trays while ensuring they stay exactly at the temperature you want them to.

Their digital thermostat keeps temperatures set between 68-108°F at the temperature you’re aiming for. Simply poke the probe into the soil of one of your trays, set it at the ideal range, and let the mat work its magic.

How to Use a Thermostat for Seedling Heat Mats

• Place a little insulation under the heat mat so that you capture the heat and keep it longer. You can use a Styrofoam plate or collapsed cardboard boxes. Some people use the packaging that comes with the heat mats.
• Try to place the heat mats on a cemented floor or wire rack, not on a wooden table. Heat mats can overheat and leave burn marks on the table.
• Never place your seedling pots directly on the mat. Manufacturers always advise using a plastic starting stray. For the seeds that need less heat, you can stack multiple empty trays on top of each other to create some height between the seeds and the heat mats.
• Check whenever you can to regulate the temperature of the soil. Be careful not to overheat your soil. It will make your soil very dry, or worse, cook your plants.