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Ordering seeds from the U.S./Heat mats worth it?

16 years ago

Ah, January in Western Canada...minus 20, dark and miserable--what better time to look ahead to the new gardening season! I have two separate questions.

One, does anyone have experience ordering from the United States, specifically Thompson and Morgan? They refer to Canadian customers in their catalogue. What is your experience with them? (I'm also planning orders to William Dam, Veseys and T & T -- but Thompson and Morgan seems to have many varieties the others don't carry.)

Two, what do you think of heat mats for germination? I've always thought they were too small to be practical, and that $30 and up was an outrageous price. However, I'm now seeing these for sale all over, and am beginning to think that if they help with germination, maybe they're not a bad idea after all.

Look forward to hearing from everyone.

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Comments (7)

north53 Z2b MB
16 years ago
Hi Petunia,
Yeah, I agree, looking forward to gardening helps us cope with winter!
I just wanted to comment on the heat mats. I've used one for years and have had good success rates for germination with it. Germination is faster also.

Yes they are small, but I only use it for germination. Once the seeds sprout, the containers are moved under the lights. Also, I seed into small containers to start. Once the seedlings have a couple sets of true leaves I prick them out and transplant into larger containers. That way I can have quite a few containers on the heat mat at once.

Good luck and good gardening!
sierra_z2b
16 years ago
Hi Petunia,

I also use a heat mat. I only use it for the harder to start seeds....usually the ones that require a constant higher temperature. It does speed up germination.

I agree with North, once I see a single sprout they are moved under the lights.

Sierra
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Hi Everyone, I'm jumping into this conversation with another question. Feel free to send to a link as I'm sure this question has been asked a million times. I'm starting Alpine Strawberries and Tomatoes. I'm using a Sun Blaze light fixture with 4ct, T5, fluorescent lights per fixture. No reflectors. My seeds are on wire shelving and by a window. Outside temp is still below 32 at night and around 45 days. The room is 60 + degrees. With no heat mat and seedlings covered, my lights still give enough heat to create condensation. 1) One fixture literally raises the ambient temp in the room. Does that seem strangely hot for these types of lights? 2) Given the variables: by a window, hot lights, covered, should I use a mat? 3) How many hours of artificial light should I give them? 4) Any thoughts on mixing bulbs (Red & Blue) in the same fixture. Should I throw in a red spectrum bulb or two if I want my Alpines to bloom? Or best to keep move the Alpines to an all red fixture once they look ready? Thanks everyone..I bow to your expertise! Sharron
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How to use a heat mat?
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I'm new to this also but will try to help. First you don't want the cells sitting in water. This can cause the seeds to rot. Take it to the sink and dump it out. I don't understand why the tray doesn't fit, did you buy it together as a set? You need something it can fit in properly so you can water from the bottom. The heat mats are water proof so you can set the cell tray on top of it. Just make sure when you water to leave the cell tray in/over the sink after watering it so drain for a bit before putting back on heat mat. Also use warm water. There is loads of helpful info here. When you have time just scroll through the posts, or type in any questions you may have in the search bar above. Good luck to you!
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Crazy_Gardener
16 years ago
I've had poor germination rate with T&T seeds in the past, but it depends on what seed you're trying. I order from the states all the time, sometimes you will get dinged with gst/paper work but very seldom.

A heat mat works great, you only need them for the germination period.

Sharon
savona
16 years ago
A couple years ago I ordered from T+M (USA) and had no problems at all..Last year the order came from Canada and this year even though it doesnt say it on your invoice it does say on the catalog that Canadian orders are shipped direct from Canada (which I hope is true because sierra and I have a large combined order coming in the next few days). I have ordered from Park's(USA) the last couple years and got my order promptly. T+T has burnt me on live (dead) plants but I havent had any problems with their seeds...savona
Crazy_Gardener
16 years ago
I'm sorry, I meant T&M Seeds, T&T seeds is another story!
luv2gro
16 years ago
I have ordered from T & M and had some problems with germination also, but not as bad as some people. However, despite them having more selection, it seems that the "special" ones are the ones I've had the most trouble with. And as Sharon and others have pointed out to me, they are certainly not the cheapest. Many of their seeds are available at Canadian Tire, Home Depot, etc. and are there now. At least at Can. Tire.

Mine have always been shipped from Canada but I have always ordered from the Canadian website. No problems with their shipping at all.

Shauna
FrozeBudd_z3/4
16 years ago
Have had pretty good success with T&M seeds, though not so great with the primulas and sweetpeas. Park Seed is a good place to order from, especially now with our dollar basically being on par ... also, they often provide more seeds per pack at a cheaper cost than Stokes.

Terry

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