Enhancing Propagation and Microgreen Production with Adlo Heat Pads
Last winter, we installed two new heat pads in our propagation houses, transforming the way we manage seedlings and winter microgreens. After searching for larger, more efficient solutions, we found AldoHeat in Australia, a company that makes custom-sized heat pads to fit any tabletop. This upgrade has already proven invaluable, improving our production timing and crop health.
From Domestic Heat Pads to Custom Solutions
Previously, we were working with a small domestic heat pad, but it quickly became limiting. Finding anyone who could manufacture longer, customized heat pads was a challenge, so we were thrilled when James from Active Vista introduced us to AldoHeat. Their ability to tailor the size allowed us to fit the heat pads seamlessly into our existing infrastructure.
For our propagation house, we installed a 3.7m x 0.9m heat pad, creating a “greenhouse within a greenhouse” by setting a cloche over the top. We maintain this pad at 24°C, the perfect temperature for tomato propagation. With the added heat, we managed to transplant tomatoes three weeks earlier than in previous seasons, gaining a significant head start.
In addition to the propagation setup, we invested in a 12m x 0.8m heat pad for winter microgreen production, set at 12°C. This has been a game-changer, allowing us to grow vibrant greens consistently throughout the colder months.
Fine-Tuning Heat Management
The heat pads rest on hardboard, which provides support and insulation, and are covered with two layers of plastic to keep everything waterproof. We’ve also adopted bottom soaking, simply wetting the tabletop to provide plants with moisture from below.
Both heat pads are controlled with a thermostat, which comes in either a manual dial or digital version. We attach the temperature probe directly to the heat pad, taping it in place and covering it with plastic to avoid accidental displacement, which could cause the unit to overheat. To ensure accuracy, we keep a probation tray of soil on the thermometer—this prevents temperature fluctuations and ensures the correct settings are maintained.
A Leap in Production and Precision
This season has been all about learning the nuances of managing our transplants and microgreens with the new heat pad system. The added control has made a noticeable difference in our production cycles. We’re now not just keeping pace with demand but also enjoying the satisfaction of getting our crops to market earlier and healthier than before.
A big thank you to James from Active Vista for the connection to AldoHeat. We finally found the right solution, and it’s been well worth the wait.