===== Special handling for heat-loving plants =====

==== Heat mat setting ====

When I germinate seeds for heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes, I set the heat mat controller at a suitable level, generally 75 degrees.

<note tip>The temperature setting on the heat mat controller is a maximum, not an actual temperature in the tray under all conditions. When the ambient temperature is considerably lower than the set temperature, the tray temperature is unlikely to reach 10 degrees above the ambient temperature.</note>

==== Grow lights ====

These warm-weather plants like warmth as they grow in the greenhouse. Grow lights set at a suitable distance (about 7 inches) from the seedlings provide an acceptable amount of warmth. 

==== Re-potting ====

Shortly after a seedling has two "true leaves" I put it into a larger pot using a [[garden:cultivate:tasks:propagate:potting#potting medium|potting medium]] that I create using the seedling mix as a basis.

<note tip>Potting soil is different from the seedling mix. It contains amendments to provide nutrients for the growing seedling that are not required for seed germination.</note>

==== Irrigation ====

The more true leaves that a seedling develops the more moisture that they transpire from the tray to the environment. So the more mature seedlings get, the more care they require in managing irrigation.

=== Irrigation temperature ===

For heat-loving plants, which really love extra attention, I provide moisture with water at the temperature of the tray- not cool water from the faucet. An unexpected dose of cold water can send the seedlings into shock, which slows their growth and reduces their robustness.

=== Irrigation solution ===

To provide nutrients to the growing plants in addition to what is in the potting mix I irrigate with (about) a 1% mixture of water with fish fertilizer and liquid seaweed.

{{ :garden:cultivate:tasks:propagate:gallery:liquidfish.png?nolink&120|}}{{ :garden:cultivate:tasks:propagate:gallery:liquidseaweed.png?nolink&120|}}To each Simply Juice bottle (1.6 quarts) of water at room temperature I add:

  * 3 teaspoons of fish fertilizer
  * 3 teaspoons of liquid seaweed

I pour this solution into the tray, allowing the potting medium to soak it up and percolate it to the plant's roots.

<note important>While all plants suffer from too little moisture, some plants are as sensitive to an excess of moisture. I evaluate how moist a pot is by picking it up.</note>

==== Fertigation ====

Often I use the liquid irrigation solution to provide additional nutrients by spraying it directly on the leaves of plants after transplanting.