I bought new rope light today with led lights. It works. If to warm I raise seed trays higher. I figure if the temps outside drop to much, I can put the cover on the tote over night if need be in greenhouse. This is just a plastic tote, rope lights and seeds. ( photo / image / picture from Donna S's Garden )
Hiya Donna, Do those LED lights put out enough heat to heat the space there? I was surprised to read that because the LED lights here are very "cool" and generate almost no heat. This posting is interesting.
Hi Sjoerd, they produce enough heat to start seeds. Heat mats are costing $25.00-$30.00 now, so I am trying to find a way to beat that cost and the rope lights cost $12.00. When bunched together and boxed they are warm. The thermometer is reading 78 degrees layed on top of them. The plastic tote is 17" wide 32" long and 6" deep and it is also warm to the touch after several hours of light in it. I will say my husband tells me this is not going to work because led lights do not give off heat. But he has never planted a seed in his life.
You've got to prove your husband wrong and germinate those seeds now haven't you. I really hope it works so that you've saved yourself having to spend more money on a store bought heat mat.
An Interesting observation and result. I will take some LED lights put them in a box and monitor the temperature. Jerry
I'm just curious... wouldn't indoor/outdoor Christmas lights work just as well? They are so cheap and come in a variety of lengths.
