VIVOSUN 48"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set

We tried this for the first time a couple of years ago. Germination rates went up dramatically. My only complaint, and it's not really a complaint, is it would be nice if they offered a model with the corners notched out so they would sit flat in most shelving units, instead of part of the mat running up the vertical posts. (I hope that makes sense).

I bought 2 just before Christmas of 2022. They came very quickly. Two months later only one continues to work. I used one in the traditional way - laying (mostly) flat on a table with seeded cups atop in plastic totes. It has remained in its original location this whole time. That one is still working. The other one (dead one) was moved several times daily. I WAS careful with it, removing it gently from the lids of totes and keeping it (both of them, actually) relatively dry and kept it in a wide, loose roll. I thought this wouldn't be a problem since it was delivered in a roll, but I may have been wrong. I used plastic totes with the mats for bottom and top heat at night, removing the top mat in the mornings. I'm blaming the constant moving for the failure, but not absolutely sure about that. The thermostat still works for both mats, which is helpful. All of the mechanisms - wires/thermostats/plugs - are kept in their own dry tote. I had to bunch some rags beneath the bottom mat so the bottoms of the totes would make full contact with the mat - that mattered. And while I live in the deep South, there were many very cold nights. With both these mats going, it was warmer in the totes than in the house on some of these nights, so it was a good alternative for me since I have no greenhouse (I do cover the entire set up with thick plastic and blankets at night and remove them in the mornings). I suspect that these plants will do even better than those from a greenhouse since they will automatically be hardened off. The peppers show heat damage, but that was my fault as I had forgotten to remove the lids of the totes on a particularly warm and sunny winter day. But there are happy leaves coming above them and it won't be a problem. I'm ordering another brand to replace the mat that died and will compare and contrast as I go, since I'm hoping to increase my numbers next year. Overall I am very pleased with the one, and very disappointed with the other, yet grateful that it worked long enough to get me past the bulk of the cold weather. In the future, I will have to come up with a way to move and store the top mat during the day in a way that is even more gentle than I had been doing. This worries me, since I'd been so careful previously, I'm not sure I can accomplish this greater standard of care.

The heat mat is working adequately and have checked the temp of the mat using a Infrared Thermometer 774 gun. I haven't tried the Digital Thermostat yet and will update my review once I do. The only issue I have is the advertisement for this "package deal" which stated there would be a Carrying Bag for the heat mat for when you are done with the mat. My box did not have the Carrying Bag for the heat mat. I've reached out to Vivosun via email and after answering all their questions and back and forth for several days, they told me to contact Amazon. I reached out to Amazon and was told they cannot replace missing parts and I would have to do a return. Some people may not care if they get the Carrying Bag but I would like to have it for storage when done using the mat.

Use these to start our spring crops in the greenhouse. Replaced older mats as they started to fail after 10 seasons

This heat mat has been a game-changer for my seed starting! I am a newbie when it comes to using these so I had to experiment with how long to keep them in and also how to use with the lights I bought. But I finally figured it out after many attempts and sickly looking sprouts. My seeds were dreading going in to the soil until I found these heat mats. The It's a good size, accommodating multiple seed trays, and the temperature is evenly distributed across the surface. The mat is also durable and easy to clean. It's simple to use – just plug it in and place your trays on top. I've noticed a significant improvement in my germination rates since I started using it, and my seedlings are much stronger and healthier. If you're serious about seed starting, this heat mat is a worthwhile investment. It takes the guesswork out of germination and gives your seeds the best possible start. Highly recommend!