Questions and Answers for Viagrow 20.5 in. x 8.5 in. Seed Propagating Seedling Heat Mat

A:  A propagation heat mat manufactured by Hydrofarm, size 12x48 inch is daisy chainable. It is sold on Amazon website and can also be purchased at VMinnovations.

A:  Not that I know of. This is the standard heating mat that I've always seen advertised. I use 3 of them with a power strip.

A:  I'm not sure what your question is. What do you mean by "connectable?"

A:  This one would not connect, just flat edges. You could sit them side by side. I lay mine on an old towel to keep it from sliding.

A:  I bought four of the type displayed and connected them to a power cord which reached to our outlet outdoors. It was totally operational and performed very well.

A:  I doubt it since it doesn't damage the seed starting trays. It's not hot - just warm. Mine is on 24/7 while I'm growing my seeds.

A:  I keep an old towel under mine (to keep it from sliding)

A:  It gets warm but not that hot. I would only worry if it's Vinyl. It might cause the vinyl to stick.

A:  Thank you contacting Viagrow. No the seed mat will not burn plastic surfaces. Thank you

A:  I don't think so. The temperature of mine has never been much over 90° F.

A:  Yes, I do.

A:  I leave mine on 24/7 then I also turn a plant light on only in the daytime, plant light off at night.

A:  I do, but you don't have to. It doesn't do any harm.

A:  Yes, it's on 24/7. It maintains a constant temperature for the water in the self-watering seed starting kit I'm using.

A:  Yes, I leave mine on constantly. My grow lights are on a timer, but the heat mat is plugged in separately and is always on.

A:  I wouldn't use a tray with holes. The description of the heating mat is water resistant. Trays only cost a couple of dollars.

A:  Yes. This mat is not designed to get wet. Only to be wiped with a damp cloth for cleaning

A:  I think that's a question for the manufacturer. I can't speak to what "water resistant" is meant to convey.

A:  The tray doesn't need to be without holes. Will work with trays that have holes and those that don't. The mat itself is waterproof so it won't get damaged if water runs out the holes on it.

A:  The tray can have holes, but if it does, any excess water will drip onto the mat. It shouldn't hurt the mat unless you really overwater.

A:  Thank you for you interest in Viagrow. Yes you can use these mats for your Violets and 4 inch pods. Thank you

A:  Thank you for your interest in Viagrow. Yes you can keep your Violets warm with our mats. Also yes your 4 inch pods can be placed directly on the mat. Thank you

A:  I am using it for my African violets which are in a sunny window but the room is not well-insulated. The mat is not very hot, just about 10 degrees higher than the air around it, tho my cats try to lie on it. They seem to know the difference. You will not feel heat when you touch it. I lost many violets last year and even more this year in this room. I seem to be able to hold onto the ones I have left using the mat. Yes, you can put plants in ceramic or plastic directly on it. All my violets are in ceramic self-watering pots (and water does evaporate a little faster), and my "violet nursery" is a plastic, lidded fast food container. All are directly on the mat.

A:  First of all, I'm wondering why you would want to put this on a timer. The whole point is to keep the soil warmer then it would be on its own, especially in a basement or other cooler part of the house. I never turn mine off. If you want to place multiple mats on a time, just use a power strip or extension, depending on how many mats you plan on using.

A:  Thank for contacting us at Viagrow. No it is not made to connect the mats. Thank you

A:  The Viagrow Seedling Heat Mat will not overheat, however, a thermostat is needed to adjust the temperature otherwise the temperate remains at one preset temperature. - Viagrow

A:  The mat is pre-set to a specific temperature, no thermostat is needed--it won't overheat. The heat is really barely perceptible when you touch it, but it's just warm enough to keep the water in the self-watering seed starting system from cooling down.

A:  the mat is a little warmer than others, but it worked fine on tomatoes - extraordinary germination rate.

A:  I tested mine today with a meat thermometer. I have seeds planted in 2 3/4 of soil. The temperature in the space between the mat and the flat was 91 °F, and the soil temperature a quarter inch below the surface was 71° F. The broccoli and kale in this flat germinated in two days. The ambient temperature in my basement is 60° F. I would say that this represents the temperature differential mentioned in the description of the product.

A:  The mat just gets gently warm - it is not hot by any means. You can rest your hand on it without a problem. I use mine to start my seedlings and it's on for weeks.

A:  This item measures 20.5 in. x 8.5 in.

A:  Mine is exactly 8.5" wide. It should work fine with trays 9.5" wide; the heat will easily radiate vertically and horizontally.

A:  17 watts, I believe.

A:  No. This mat cannot get wet. It can be wiped with damp cloth only for cleaning purposes.

A:  I think that's a question for the manufacturer. I can't speak to what "water resistant" is meant to convey.