I've been germinating my seeds with a tupperware in a bit of soil on a high shelf, but it only really works when I have the heater on in the house. Now nothing is sprouting cause the heat is off.

[–] grasshopper_mouse@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

This is my first time growing anything from seed, so I don't really have anything to compare it to, but I think it's been helpful? I'm in the Northeastern US and it's still cold here, so I think it's been good to have.

[–] obazdaa@feddit.org 2 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

I find that most seeds sprout well without a heat mat, but for peppers especially I bought one last year and I'm really glad I have one now. I use it for all seeds that like it warm and my sourdough starter. No problems with germination that way anymore.

[–] SchmidtGenetics@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

It’s not “needed”, but it will make more seeds start and allow them to sprout faster.

I would rather have a 90% germ rate in a few days at ideal conditions, than 50% germ rate and it take 3 weeks.

[–] shifty@leminal.space 1 points 2 weeks ago

Lol sourdough starter, OK I'm sold. The high shelf where I sprout seeds is also where I've been letting my dough rise cause the house is too cold