Has anyone any experience with alternate heat sources? I'm thinking about a box with a couple of low wattage light bulbs under the tray. Just something to help the roots trhough the cool nights. Perhaps later it could keep the pots from freezing through our cold NH winters. If anyone has tried somthing like this I'd love to hear how it worked out.

Are you overwintering your bonsai trees inside or outside? Your light bulb idea could work, I would just be concerned about it starting a fire...garden supply stores sell heat propagation mats for around $20+ depending on how large your need it to be and some of them come with adjustable thermostats so you can control the temperature. I have one mat which I use for seedlings in the spring but I could easily use it for what your doing as well.

I've also seen substrate heaters in aquarium stores which are kind of like a heater you bury in your aquarium dirt. I am not sure if they need to be submerged in water to safely work, but if that is not a requirement it is something you could try I suppose.

Hello,

Seedling Heat Mats are sized to fit under common seed flats. The 9" X 19-1/2" mat fits under one flat and the 48" X 20" fits under four flats. All distribute an even 10-20 deg. temperature increase, causing seeds to germinate and grow faster. Heavy rubber mats with lighting, watering and planting information.



Thanks.

Hi ; I don't use a heating mat any more , I have other methods now . I usually germinate in spring to late summer . I search the seeds needs first then use my recipes for germination .
White willow bark and liquid seaweed fertilizer . If you don't have white willow bark you can use a aspirin with the seaweed fertilizer .
I use it in different degrees of strength , on hard coated seeds I use more to melt the seed coat .

If anyone needs help on any seed let me know. I'm going to be a mod. for my ( Edited ) soon so my time will be taken up a lot more .

I have succesfully germinated seeds on top of my computer moniter, if you have one of the old big ones.