Quote:
Originally Posted by Worth1
They should be under good strong lights BEFORE they sprout.
So yes you can and should.
Worth
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If you have a whole tray of sowed seeds that cannot be separated and 1 or 2 sprout in that tray, OK. Otherwise that is just a waste of electricity, they don't need (
and don't benefit from) light until they actually break the surface.
Heat, yes... sowed seeds should be kept between 70-90F, the lower the temperature within the range will usually just result in a longer wait for the seed to germinate. If seeds are in the living space of your house, you will generally not need a heating pad, but you might wait a few more days for the seed to sprout. Peppers are more picky, but still fall within that range - a heating pad will help to get them up and growing within a week, otherwise it might take 2-4 weeks at room temperature to get them germinated.
Once the plant sprouts, tomato or pepper, they need light and a minimum temperature of 60F, higher the better or they will develop slowly. Again if you are growing in your living space, additional heat will not be necessary, but they will need good strong light for at least 8 hours a day (12-16 hrs is much better). The closer the source of light the better because it keeps them from 'reaching' for it. Light source 2 inches away is great. If all you have is a sunny window, they will get leggy, but otherwise that will work too.
People worry too much... if you don't have heat pads, but you are working within your living space (68-72F), just start a week (or two) earlier.