How to Heat Trays for Plants

Household Appliance

• 1

  Fill your growing container with the soil, seed and water according to directions on the seed packet for the type of plant you are growing.

• 2

  Position your container inside the plant tray.

• 3

  Place your tray on top of an appliance that generates heat. Common household areas include the top of a refrigerator, water heater or radiator. You have the option to move your plant tray once the seeds have germinated so they can receive adequate light.

Seed-Starting Heat Mat

• 4

  Plug in your seed-starting heat mat.

• 5

  Position your plant tray, with the growing container(s), on top of the mat. Some heat mats run on a timer, while others are designed to run as long as they are plugged in. Check the instructions that come with your seed-starting mat to ensure that you follow the proper procedure for your specific product.

• 6

  Turn off the seed-starting heat mat once the plants have pushed through the soil. Seedlings in too-warm conditions may grow too fast and become leggy.