Sherwin Dubren wrote in message ...
Hi Janice,
To clear things up, I grow my own plants because I can't find the
varieties
that I want in the stores and nurseries. They are not exotic plants,
but
many are heritage types, which are not readily available.

Here is another idea. If you can envelope the whole system in a
plastic bag (does not have to be clear), and make sure that the bag is
tucked into the tray, any moisture will be returned to the tray. With
this system, you only need to give them less than an inch of water at
the beginning because the water will be recycled over and over. the
bag will retain also some heat from the lights, which is a good thing.
You are probably better off germinating things while you are around
(say, at 80F) and then turn off the mats and leave them at 65-70.
Problems with damping off (worse if they are at 80F throughout) and
carbon dioxide starvation can be expected. I posted earlier how to
beat CO2, and how to minimize damping off.

Some people say that leaving seedlings constantly under lights is very
bad, but your experience seems different. I would not know because I
switch off the lights at night.