6 best heat cable for plants
Heat cables for plants are a useful tool in various applications related to outdoor maintenance, particularly in cold climates. They are commonly used for protecting plants, preventing frost damage, and aiding in snow and ice removal from walkways, driveways, and garden beds. Here's some information about heat cables for plants and their related applications:
Frost Protection: Heat cables, also known as heating cables or heat tapes, are used to protect plants from frost and freezing temperatures. They can be wrapped around sensitive plants or placed on the soil to provide a gentle, consistent source of heat.This prevents the formation of ice crystals within plant cells, reducing the risk of damage or death to plants during cold spells.
Snow and Ice Removal: Heat cables can be installed in outdoor areas like driveways, sidewalks, and garden paths to melt snow and ice. When the cables are embedded in the pavement or laid on the surface, they generate heat, which helps in snow and ice removal, making these areas safer to walk or drive on during winter.
De-Icers and Salt Spreaders: While heat cables themselves do not spread salt, they can be used in conjunction with de-icers and salt spreaders. The combination of a de-icer and heat cables can help prevent the formation of ice and snow on surfaces, and the salt spreader can be used to provide additional traction and melt remaining ice.
Patio and Lawn Care: Heat cables can also be employed to protect outdoor patio areas and lawns from winter damage. They can be placed under pavers, concrete, or other patio materials to prevent freezing and cracking. Additionally, they can be used to keep the soil temperature stable, which can benefit the roots of certain plants.
Greenhouse Heating: In greenhouse gardening, heat cables are used to maintain a controlled temperature. They are often installed in the soil or along the greenhouse benches to ensure that plants receive adequate warmth during cold seasons.
Installation: Heat cables are typically installed in a specific pattern or layout based on the area to be heated. They are connected to a power source and often come with temperature control options to regulate the amount of heat generated.
Energy Efficiency: It's important to use heat cables efficiently to minimize energy consumption. Some modern heat cable systems come with thermostats and timers that allow you to control when and for how long they operate.
Safety Considerations: When using heat cables, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines to prevent overheating, electrical issues, or damage to the cables themselves. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure safe and effective operation.
Heat cables for plants and related applications can be valuable tools for maintaining outdoor spaces and protecting plants from cold weather damage. They offer an efficient way to combat frost, snow, and ice while ensuring the health of your garden and outdoor areas.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best heat cable for plants on the market
Jump Start JSHC48 Soil Heating Cable, 48-Feet, Black
Jump Start
Product description
Jump start heating cable - place in ground to heat soil for seed germination - forty eight feet long - bright orange for visibility.
- Place in ground to speed germination and seedling growth with gentle heat
- Perfect indoors or out, this cable is 48 feet long, safely encased in a tough, waterproof PVC coating with orange color for visibility
- Cover the cable with 3 to 4 inches of soil, then plant your seeds, seedlings, or plants above this height
- It is designed to last for many seasons, offering an economical and effective solution to the problem of cold weather slowing down your garden
User questions & answers
| Question: | How warm will this soil heating get |
| Answer: | I won't be using this cable for a few weeks. I can't give you a definitive answer except to say that they are designed to heat the soil from 70-76 degrees. |
| Question: | Can this be used in the winter to keep a small area above freezing? I am hoping to keep banana tree roots from freezing in winter |
| Answer: | Yes, the heater is designed to do exactly that. There may be limits to that -- extremely low temps may overwhelm the device -- but I don't live in such a cold climate. My use is generally restrict to cold nights during the fall and winter growing seasons and it accomplished that easily. Good product IMHO. |
| Question: | I am planning on using this on my concrete patio deck and putting my plastic Bonsai pots above the cable. How hot does the cable get |
| Answer: | The built-in thermostat designed to maintain 77°F-85°F, but the cable needs to be buried in a sandy substrate with a plastic cloth on top to protect tools from damaging the cable when working in the garden. Please review the user manual (link provided below) for installation instructions and illustrations. https://s3.amazonaws.com/hydrofarmpubdocs/JSHC_Instrux_7.1.14_22966.pdf |
| Question: | In the reviews people say there is a thermostat. Does the cable turn itself on at a certain temp? If so what is the temperature and is it adjustable |
| Answer: | There is a tiny thermostat built into a bump on the sub-soil wire. It is not adjustable. I found it capped the soil temperature in my raised bed at about 70F. I'm very satisfied with this heating cable. Just make sure you follow the instructions about laying the cable out in a close zig-zag pattern, a certain distance apart and not crossing any wires. If used outside in cold and very cold temperatures, the soil temp can drop below 55--due to much greater heat loss, not the thermostat. In cold situations, it is much more effective with 1" styrofoam insulation laid flat about 4" below the surface and a tight fitting plastic or glass cover to put over your raised bed or coldframe on cold nights. |
Hydrofarm JSHC48 Jump Start Water-Resistant Ground 48 Foot Heating Cable with Built-in Thermostat for Indoor/Outdoor Garden Containers, Cold Frames, and Soil (3 Pack)
Product description
The (3 Pack) Hydrofarm Jump Start Soil 48-Foot Heating Cable with Built-In Thermostat is the perfect insulated heating cable for growers using media beds with sand or fine gravel. It gently warms the soil for fast germination and better growth. It heats 12 square feet and is flexible enough for any growing area. The built-in thermostat is constructed to maintain a temperature of 77-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It turns the cable off when the soil reaches the optimal temperature and will turn on again automatically when it’s cooled. It’s also water-resistant, so you can keep watering your beds regularly. The cable is bright orange for visibility. This heating cable can be used both indoors and outdoors, as well as in containers, cold frames, or directly in the ground.
- FASTER GERMINATION: The soil heating cable warms soil for plants grown indoors or outdoors and in containers, cold frames or the ground. The heating cable gently warms soil for faster germination and better growth
- BUILT TO LAST: The hydroponic is built with water-resistant construction and is designed to last for many seasons. With its bright orange color making it visible at all times
- THERMOSTAT: The heating cable has a built-in thermostat that maintains 77-85 degrees Fahrenheit and turns off when soil reaches your target temperature making it the effective solution to the problem of cold weather slowing down gardening
- VERSATILE: The 48-foot long ground heating cable heats a 12 foot square area and is flexible to fit any growing area indoors or outdoors. The garden heating cable is not meant for multiple trays or garden beds
- PRODUCT INFO: Comes in a (3 Pack) and each cord length is 6-feet and the heating cable length is an additional 48-feet. The cable outputs are: 140W / 120V / 1.17A
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will the cables help prevent plants from freezing if placed under covered plants |
| Answer: | I'm not sure if these are the best answer for frost protection of plants under a canopy. The cables are meant to be placed underground so it may be work to place the cables around established plants. I wonder if the cables would burn out without sufficient heat dissipation into the soil. If you can install the cable properly, the built-in thermostat is set around 80F, which is overkill for freeze protection. But you could put the cables on a timer or separate temperature sensor say near the canopy and just use the cables as heating elements. Then you would have the cables for spring seed germination, and they are great for that. |
Hydrofarm JSHC12 Jump Start Water-Resistant Ground 12 Foot Heating Cable with Built-in Thermostat for Indoor/Outdoor Garden Containers, Cold Frames, and Soil (2 Pack)
Product description
The (2 Pack) Hydrofarm Jump Start Soil 12-Foot Heating Cable with Built-In Thermostat is the perfect insulated heating cable for growers using media beds with sand or fine gravel. It gently warms the soil for fast germination and better growth. It heats 3 square feet and is flexible enough for any growing area. The built-in thermostat is constructed to maintain a temperature of 77-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It turns the cable off when the soil reaches the optimal temperature and will turn on again automatically when it’s cooled. It’s also water-resistant, so you can keep watering your beds regularly. The cable is bright orange for visibility. This heating cable can be used both indoors and outdoors, as well as in containers, cold frames, or directly in the ground.
- FASTER GERMINATION: The soil heating cable warms soil for plants grown indoors or outdoors and in containers, cold frames or the ground. The heating cable gently warms soil for faster germination and better growth
- BUILT TO LAST: The hydroponic is built with water-resistant construction and is designed to last for many seasons. With its bright orange color making it visible at all times
- THERMOSTAT: The heating cable has a built-in thermostat that maintains 77-85 degrees Fahrenheit and turns off when soil reaches your target temperature making it the effective solution to the problem of cold weather slowing down gardening
- VERSATILE: The 12-foot long ground heating cable heats a 3 foot square area and is flexible to fit any growing area indoors or outdoors. The garden heating cable is not meant for multiple trays or garden beds
- PRODUCT INFO: The (2 Pack) includes 2 cables with cord lengths of 6-feet and the heating cable length is an additional 12-feet. The cable outputs are: 32W / 120V / 0.27A
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can a temperature be set or does this product heat only to a range of temp? 2) What is the wattage |
| Answer: | There is no temperature setting. I do not know the wattage - perhaps it says on the packaging, but I threw that away. I could touch them and not get burned, just warm to the touch. Not sure they saved my plants from the 25 degree weather.... |
| Question: | How deep in the soil can it be placed |
| Answer: | I used one in a 3’x3’ raised bed (8” soil) and it worked well for early tomatoes. I made a little plastic tent around it to help keep it warm on cold nights. |
| Question: | Is the loop 12’ or does it form a length of 12’ (i.e., 24’ loop = 12 linear feet |
| Answer: | The loop contains 12' of heating wire, so if you stretch it out, it's 6' long. |
Ohuhu Seedling Heat Mat 10" x 20.75" with Digital Seedling Heat Mat Thermostat Controller, Plants Hydroponic Heating Pad for Indoor Seedling and Germination
Product description
Stable Heating & Temperature Control
The heating mat is designed to increase the temperature of the rooting area 10℉ to 20℉ above the ambient air temperature and the thermostat can maintain a stable temperature between 68-108°F (20-42°C)-- best choice for safe and professional gardening. The thermostat will automatically shut off the heat mat when it reaches to the temperature that you set, and turns on when the temperature drops to a point before it becomes too cool. In short, your plants are always in their ideal temperature range.
Wide Applications
Designed to keep a stable temperature for various environments, this digital temperature control device can be used to provide all-day services for seedling germination, rooting, brewing, heating, fermentation, hatching, and more.
Package Contents
1 x Ohuhu temperature controller
1 x Ohuhu plant heat pad
1 x User Manual
- Deluxe Tool Set: Save your money and save your time! Each set includes a 10 x 20.75 seedling heat mat and a digital thermostat controller---perfectly matched combo set and no need to buy each of them separately
- Intelligent Temperature Control: No more worry about the wrong size---the Ohuhu Heat Mat Thermostat is versatile fit to most of seeding heat mat. The sensor probe delivers accurate readings even under both hot and cold environments and the heat mat thermostat can maintain a stable temperature between 68-108°F (20-42°C) for various horticultural applications
- Easy to Use: Just place the heat mat on a dry flat surface, put the seedling pot on it, and plug the power cord into a standard 120V socket. Better yet, the 3-button operation makes setup a breeze – you can set an optimum temperature or change the display between Fahrenheit/Celsius in seconds
- Safe & Thoughtful: With the standard specification of 120V/60Hz, this thermostat is ready to use and can support a 1000W power load---highly effective and practical. Thanks to the power indicator and work indicator, you will know the working state of the thermostat even in darkness
- Care-free Storage: For the heating pad, just stash it in the included storage bag, and put into the handy carrying bag when not in use. While you can install the controller on anywhere you desired with the included a hanging cable and a suction hook!
User questions & answers
| Question: | Where is this product made |
| Answer: | The answer you're looking for will be in one of the informational drop downs located below the product picture. |
| Question: | How many watts are these? the mats i got from ipower just aren't powerful enough. i cant get them higher than 76f |
| Answer: | With the standard specification of 120V/60Hz, this thermostat is ready to use and can support a 1000W power load. The sensor probe delivers accurate readings even under both hot and cold environments and the heat mat thermostat can maintain a stable temperature between 68-108¡ãF (20-42¡ãC) for various horticultural applications. |
Product features
Ohuhu 10"x20.75" Plant Seedling Heat Mat & 68-108℉ Adjustable Range Digital Thermostat Controller Combo Set, MET Standard Seed Starting Pad
Stable Heating & Temperature Control
The heat mat is designed to increase the temperature of the rooting area 10℉ to 20℉ above the ambient air temperature and the thermostat can maintain a stable temperature between 68-108°F (20-42°C) -- best choice for safe and professional gardening. The thermostat will automatically shut off the heat mat when it reaches to the temperature that you set, and turns on when the temperature drops to a point before it becomes too cool. In short, your plants are always in their ideal temperature range.
Wide Applications
Designed to keep a stable temperature for various environments, this digital temperature control device can be used to provide all-day services for seedling germination, rooting, brewing, heating, fermentation, hatching, and more.
RHS Propagation Heat Mat, Spill Proof Seedling Pad, Heated Film Technology, Plant Germination Heating System, Durable Made in USA, Seed Starter 11" x 96" inches, Grow Beautiful Plants
Product description
Greenhouse tests have shown that identical plants, cared for in exactly the same way, will grow up to three times faster when their roots are kept warm. In fact, if the air temperature is as low as 50 degrees, plants without root zone heating don't grow at all while those that do have root zone heating continue to thrive and grow! Germinate seeds faster - ideal for starting seedlings! Grow plants up to 3 times faster! Keep soil temperature 15° to 20° above room temperature preventing root rot! Water resistant construction - spills just wipe off! Read header instructions prior to use. for more info contact us at www.rhsusa.net
- Made in USA propagation mats since 1982 Family owned business, from our farm to your home. Grow plants up to 3 times faster, Fast-go propagation mats warms root area 10 to 20 degrees over ambient temperature to improve root growth and prevent root rot. Film Technology evenly distributes heat, no wires.
- The only seedling starter with 96" inches or 8' feet in length. Perfect for many seedling trays. Many sizes available (11"x24"), (11"x36"), (11"x48"), (11"x60"), (11"x96"), (11"x120") longer sizes including length and width are available for custom orders, since we are the manufactures of these mats we can make any size.
- Safe and Eco-friendly, save on your electricity bill, Fast-Gro Heating Mats costs just pennies a day to operate, but gives you all the advantages of the larger industrial models. Great for no sunlight areas.
- Durable construction made in USA system. Spill proof, just wipe it down, easy to clean. Does not roll up, film technology prevents heat mat from rolling back up, stays flat in place.
- Great for making Kombucha, helps in the process of fermentation. No need for thermostats or controllers, germination pad maintains a constant temperature throughout the whole pad. We provide free shipping to entire US territory.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this be cut down in length |
| Answer: | Hello Customer, Yes, we can custom make a propagation mat in the size you wish, up to 50' ft. in length and different sizes in width are also available. For custom sie propagation mats, please contact us direct. Thank you, RHS Support Team |
| Question: | If I was to lay a piece of foam board under this mat to insulate it from the concrete floor would that be ok |
| Answer: | I don't see that as a problem. Just keep an eye on it at first. |
| Question: | Can you fold the width in half |
| Answer: | Hello Thinhtruong, Unfortunately, if you fold the heater width in half it will overlap and double the heater temperature, which will not be suitable for propagation and burn the roots of the plants. Also, we can custom make a heater with different widths as well, including a 6" inches wide or 3" inches wide if that helps. For custom orders, please contact us directly. Thank you for your question! RHS Support Team, |
| Question: | how many watts doe this use |
| Answer: | Hello Victor, This propagation mat draws 160 watts. Thank you for your question! RHS Support Tema |
Happybuy Roof Heat Cable 138FT Heat Tape for Roof and Gutters 115-125V with Thermostat Gutter Heater Cable 18AWG Heat Strips for Roof Self-Regulate Ice Dam Prevention Heat Tape -40 to 105℃
Product description
138ft Roof Heat Cable
This product is designed to prevent ice dams from forming on roofs, in gutters and downspouts. When properly installed and operated, this heat tape for roof and gutters will create a path for melted snow or ice to drain from the roof to the ground. A great tool for cold area or winter.
Features
Safe Heat Cable
This gutter heat cable is 4-layer design; the inner part is two heating conductors, 2nd layer: PVC( for insulation); 3rd layer: braided copper; 4th layer: PVC cover.
Professional Install Ways
For better deicing function, different houses need specific installation methods. We will offer you ways to install the cable for the roof, roofline, gutter, valleys, downspouts.
Thermostat & Socket
We also offer you a thermostat & a socket. 2.4Ghz wireless auto-connection, it can control & display time, current & target temperature(℃/℉), mode selection.
Suit Different Roofs
Our ice dam heat cable is compatible with inclined roofs. Roofs with noncombustible tab shingles (such as asphalt shingles), metal, or plastic gutters/downspouts.
Enough Spacer & Clips
This roof heating cable kit includes 109 shingle clips and 92 cable spacer, which will meet all your needs.
Cable Length Choose
An accurate estimate of the cable length you need is important because this product cannot be cut. Thus you can follow the suggestions on the user manual.
Specifications
- Cable Length: 138ft
- Working Temperature: -40 to 105℃
- Output Power: 966W
- Bending Radius: 2.36"
- Bus Wire: 18AWG
- Thermostat Temperature Control: 0-70℃/32-158℉
Package Content
- 1 x Roof Heat Cable
- 1 x Thermostat
- 1 x Plug Socket
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Spacer & Clips Kit
- 【RELIABLE HEAT TAPE】- Input: 115-125V; Length: 138ft; Working Temperature: -40 to 105℃; Output: 7W/FT; Bending Radius: 2.36"; Bus Wires: 18AWG; This gutter heater cable is made of 2pcs heating conductor and wrapped with PVC layer, braided copper and outer PVC cover. More durable & safer than cheaper products. Note: It includes 6.56ft cold lead(cold lead is unheated); For example: a 138ft length cable is actually made of 138ft heating cable and 6.56ft cold lead.
- 【SUITABLE ROOF TYPES】- Not all roofs can use the heat strips for roof, for the safety, it only accept inclined roofs, such as roofs with noncombustible tab shingles (like asphalt shingles) that meet national building codes, metal or plastic gutters/downspouts.
- 【REMOTE DIGITAL CONTROL】- This heat tape for gutters kit includes a thermostat and a socket. 2.4GHz wireless auto connection tech, you can adjust functions with the remote controller. It can also display: week, time, current & target temp(℃/℉), low battery alert, DST(daylight saving time), work modes switch, etc.
- 【INSTALLATION POSTIONS】- The ice dam heat cable should be installed on areas like the entire roof edge, specific areas such as beneath skylights, in valleys or around dormers, nearby gutters, downspouts and/or valleys. Pre-assembled, plug-in design, ready to install. Easy instruction manual, enough clips, and spacers are included.
- 【MANUALS & NOTES】- Different roofs need various install methods, thus we will offer you a clear user manual to guide you. Tips: Do not install this gutter heat cable to remove ice dams that have already formed or to clear the roof of ice and snow.NOTE: Our roof heat cable is a commercial-grade self-regulating heat cable that substantially outperforms cheap cables.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can this be used on an inclined rubber roof |
| Answer: | We had trouble with the cable overheating so I’d be cautious. |
| Question: | Do i need to use the spacers when installing the heat tape in the down spout |
| Answer: | No, do not use the spacers in the downspout. There is no way to attach them. |
| Question: | Could this be used as heat tape to wrap PVC water pipes |
| Answer: | No, this is meant for roofs and gutters |
| Question: | Con be used on metal food |
| Answer: | On metal FOOD? Boy my robot died so I haven thawed or cooked any lately. IF your asking about FOOD DISHES the answer is No NoNo |
Product features
Safe Heat Cable
This gutter heat cable is 4-layer design; the inner part is two heating conductors, 2nd layer: PVC( for insulation); 3rd layer: braided copper; 4th layer: PVC cover.
Professional Install Ways
For better deicing function, different houses need specific installation methods. We will offer you ways to install the cable for the roof, roofline, gutter, valleys, downspouts.
Thermostat & Socket
To convenient your daily control, we also offer you a thermostat & a socket. 2.4Ghz wireless auto- connection, it can control & display time, current & target temperature(℃/℉), mode selection.
Suit Different Roofs
Our ice dam heat cable is compatible with inclined roofs. Roofs with noncombustible tab shingles (such as asphalt shingles), metal, or plastic gutters/downspouts.
Enough Spacer & Clips
As a considerate seller, we also provide accessories for your convenience. This roof heating cable kit includes 109 shingle clips and 92 cable spacer, which will meet all your needs.
Cable Length Choose
An accurate estimate of the cable length you need is important because this heat cable for roof cannot be cut. Thus you can follow the suggestions on the user manual.
138ft Roof Heat Cable
This product is designed to prevent ice dams from forming on roofs, in gutters and downspouts. When properly installed and operated, this heat tape for roof and gutters will create a path for melted snow or ice to drain from the roof to the ground. A great tool for cold area or winter.
Warning: NOT to plug the cable in until it is fully unwound.
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