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| Okay.. I know it is bad to keep bottom heat going after germination, and I always remove it.... but why?
My bottom heat is an electric blanket so I can turn it way down to maybe 70. I know if I keep it warmer, like germination temps., the little roots will burn and 'run' away from it. If I keep the blanket on at 70 degrees, is this still a bad idea? I thought the plants may like the extra warmth because it helps keep the air temp 75 at night. Without it on it dips to 62-66. What do you think? Has anyone else used mild bottom heat throughout the seedling statges? Keriann~ |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Seeds need warm soil to germinate but roots need cool soil to grow. :) Seriously, bottom heat on very young seedlings can easily cook the tiny roots.. it also contributes to extra humidity which can lead to damp-off and death and it stimulates excessive top growth that the roots can't yet cope with. Most all plants, once germinated, much prefer cooler temps for slow sturdy growth. That's one reason why nurseries and greenhouses shoot for a max of 65 degree air temp. So do your plants a favor and turn off the heat blanket. Dave |
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- Posted by keriann_lakegeneva (My Page) on Sun, Feb 14, 10 at 21:31
| Thank you! I have always been a why why why person... That makes perfect sense! Off the topic... but have you ever grown ranunculus? I respect your advice and appreciate your knowledge. I have only been gardening for 5 years myself.. well because in college it is hard to and I am only 25... Let me know Thanks Keriann~ |
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- Posted by nckvilledudes 7a NC (My Page) on Mon, Feb 15, 10 at 8:51
| I agree with Dave. I have always heard that the warmer temps can also make the plants put on too much vegetative top growth, whereas the cooler temps allow the plants to put on more root growth faster than the top growth. This results in shorter stockier plants with great root systems ready for planting. |
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- Posted by heirloomjunkie 5a (My Page) on Mon, Feb 15, 10 at 18:39
| Keriann, Nice to see other people my age obsessed with gardening like I am! I'm 24, and I've had a hard time finding anyone in their 20's who even cares about this stuff. What got you into it?? Kim |
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- Posted by keriann_lakegeneva 5b (My Page) on Mon, Feb 15, 10 at 20:50
| I just love being outside and I can only be on my boat so many hours in the summer.. so I made a little garden at my house 5 years ago. I really fell in love with it and it was a great stress relief so I just kept adding them. My goal for next summer is to only have a new wrap around deck, cobblestone walk way and huge beautiful gardens in my front lawn....no grass! I would cover my backyard but I need the lawn for social gatherings and my lovely dogs. All of my gardens are purple, white and blue only and then I add two to five HUGE containers filled with deep reds... it is really quite a sight.. I am quite proud of myself. So, what got you into gardening and what are your themes? Keriann~ |
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| I'm 28; an old lady compared to you two! :) |
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- Posted by sarahbarah27 5 (My Page) on Tue, Feb 16, 10 at 6:31
| I'm 26! Judging from this post, there is quite a few people in their 20's...I never would have guessed! |
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- Posted by keriann_lakegeneva (My Page) on Tue, Feb 16, 10 at 6:44
| Either would I. Woo Hoo! that is nice to know there are other 'crazy' young people. Some of my friends think I am nuts about gardening but come Spring I am always helping them out and giving away plants! Keriann~ |
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- Posted by heirloomjunkie 5a (My Page) on Tue, Feb 16, 10 at 11:04
| Yay! So good to know I'm not the only one. My grandfather grew up on a farm, and I've always loved plants and animals. Last year, I thought I would try it just to see if I liked it. Now I'm hooked. I like coming home from the office (beige land) and digging in the dirt and sitting in the sun. Such a relief. Keriann- you're garden sounds amazing. I'm attempting flowers for the first time this year - sunflowers. I usually just do vegetables. Starting my onions today! Something so neat about knowing where your food comes from. Kim |
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- Posted by tn_veggie_gardner 6 (My Page) on Tue, Feb 16, 10 at 12:40
| Dave: What do you think about using heat mats in a cold frame (haha) that is being set up specifically so plants can go outdoors a few weeks before last frost date? Would the heat mats still be too much for the plants (which, at that time, will be around 2 to 2 & 1/2 months old)? I will have them attached to a thermostat, which I believe has little prong things that you place in the soil to take the temperature from. - Steve |
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