Heating mats go under the potting containers and heat the soil from below. You will usually need to water more frequently when using heating mats. Caution: Only use heating mats certified for seed starting use.
Heating Mats- for an overall healthy start for your seedlings.
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It's optional but I can't say enough about a heating mat. They're not cheap so I don't recommend it if you're not yet sure if seed-starting is your thing.
To provide warmth, set your container on top of a refrigerator or on a heating mat. When using a heating mat make sure you control the temperature so as not to "cook" your seeds. Remove the mat when seedling are 1-2 inches tall.
Shepherd suggests using heating mats under seed-starting devices. When seedlings emerge, remove mats and place seedlings under fluorescent grow lights suspended several inches above them.
Place the pack or propagator where it will receive bottom heat, like on a heating mat or on top of a refrigerator. Try to keep the soil temperature around 70 degrees F. At this stage it is not necessary for the seeds to be exposed to light.
Make sure they have a strong light source and consider using a heating mat to keep soil at a consistently warm temperature. If you live in a cool coastal area, peruse the seed catalogs but wait until next month to get them started.
They should have a thermostat to monitor the temperature within this enclosed environment. You can create your own by installing a heating mat or cables on solid staging and covering with a small portable frame or cloche.
I have a garden at FBGA and would greatly benefit from vermicompost. Also, I usually start my seeds in the early spring. I'm wondering, does a heating mat really make much of a difference when starting seeds?
(See Damping Off) Electric heating mats specifically for seed starting are available from many garden centers and mail-order suppliers. If you use a timer for lights above the seedlings, don’t plug the heat mats into it! ...
Used in conjunction with electric heating mats temperatures can be raised and maintained (around 22°C), increasing the growing season by months. They also allow humidity to be controlled and encourage a well-developed root system.
 See also: Light, Water, Plant, Seedling, Container
  
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