Zeedman
Garden Master
Oh, by the way...
While my focus now is on large-scale transplant methods, I used a different method when I began gardening, and was only starting a tray or two. I used a small toaster oven chassis, modified with a 60-watt incandescent bulb as a heat source. A small piece of aluminum foil was suspended above the bulb (on the existing shelf) to prevent a hot spot, and to distribute heat evenly. The temperature could be regulated (trial & error) by slightly opening the drawer. The box heated evenly, and would bottom heat 2 trays. This was not lighted, so once germination began, the trays were moved to a window. This method would probably work with any enclosed surface, and the heat generated is low... but combustible materials should be avoided.
While my focus now is on large-scale transplant methods, I used a different method when I began gardening, and was only starting a tray or two. I used a small toaster oven chassis, modified with a 60-watt incandescent bulb as a heat source. A small piece of aluminum foil was suspended above the bulb (on the existing shelf) to prevent a hot spot, and to distribute heat evenly. The temperature could be regulated (trial & error) by slightly opening the drawer. The box heated evenly, and would bottom heat 2 trays. This was not lighted, so once germination began, the trays were moved to a window. This method would probably work with any enclosed surface, and the heat generated is low... but combustible materials should be avoided.
