GET EARLY ST on sowing

HEAT PADS ARE A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN SEED RAISING INSIDE

I’m getting an early start on my seed-raising this year and have decided to use a heat source to get my seeds germinating inside before putting them outside. Some people like to put their seeds in a seed-raising mix on a heat pad which you can buy specifically for that purpose. But you can also opt for these alternatives:

• Top of a toaster oven

• Top of a cooking range

• On an electric blanket set low

• Place string lights or fairy lights that radiate some heat in a roasting pan, placing the seed trays over the top

• Over pots of hot water (cooling after cooking)

• In a chick incubator

• On top of the fridge

• Over a central heating vent or near to it

• Over a slow cooker or crock-pot of warm water.

You can use a thermometer to monitor soil temperature. A good range to aim for is 20oC to 26oC for most summer crops.