Heat transfer in a heated cold frame

I am in zone 5 and want to start seeds in a cold frame that I am going to build and put a heat wire in the bed. I want to use plastic 6-packs for ease of transplanting. What do I need to do to ensure that I get good heat transfer from the heat wires, through the plastic pots, and finally to the seeds? I don’t want to fail after building this new planting ability. Thanks, Doug.

1 Comment (Open | Close)

1 Comment To "Heat transfer in a heated cold frame"

#1 Comment By Downtoearthdigs On 02/18/2017 @ 7:13 am

Make sure you check the seed packets for information on the temperatures needed for germination. Not every seed needs the same temperature.

Most germination heat mats have a reostat that can be changed to the proper temperature.
Do you have a way to control your heat wires you mention?

Since I’m not clear on the type of ‘heat wire’ you mention, it is difficult to make a recommendation.
When using a seed heating mat system the pots or germination trays sit direction on the mat.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm ^[1]
Make sure you also have ventilation in your cold frame.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/building-cold-frames.htm ^[2]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/how-to-use-cold-frames.htm ^[3]

Article printed from Gardening Know How Questions & Answers: https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com

URL to article: https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com/heat-transfer-in-a-heated-cold-frame/

URLs in this post:

[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm

[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/building-cold-frames.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/building-cold-frames.htm

[3] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/how-to-use-cold-frames.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/greenhouses/how-to-use-cold-frames.htm

Have any questions about this topic? Visit us at https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com to ask your questions and get friendly answers from gardening experts.

You can also find us at:
'Like' us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardeningknowhow
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gardenknowhow - @gardenknowhow
Follow us on Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/gardenknowhow/