Hope I'm in the right section.

[Konta]

Hello! I just got my very first snake last night (A checker garter) and while feeling both happy and excited for this new experience, I'm also nervous about my lack of knowledge as far as heating goes. I can never get a straight answer. Some sites/books say you don't even need a heating source (Is that true?) while others say you should, and to keep it between 70-80 degrees. Here are my issues:

Her tank doesn't feel like it's getting enough heat and I don't see her often, she is usually curled up under the aspen, sleeping(?). I've touched the bottom of the tank that I layered with paper towels and it feels warmish, but not much else besides that. The thermometer ranges between 71 and 75 degrees. (She has a Zoo Med thermometer humidity gauge) But I keep it a little high up on the tank wall. So I tossed it on the floor of her tank where she's always laying (She is always right above the Reptitherm under tank heater. I have the small size for 10 - 20 gal tank, her tank is a 20 gal glass tank) and left it for an hour. It was at 100 when I checked? O.o

I thought that would be to hot for her, but she hasn't moved from that spot for almost 24 hours (Not counting the two times she's come out to explore/stare at me(Do they do that? Just sit there with their heads up staring at you?), taken a swim in her water bowl and had a drink of water.) I would say she's had about 2 or 3 hours worth of activity time, that I've noticed, since I brought her home. I'm trying to remember this is a new environment for her, so she possibly might just be scared and getting used to things. But at the same time, I want to check that I'm not doing anything that might be harming her...If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them.

[guidofatherof5]

You picked the right section. Here's a link to the forum care sheet which might answer some of your questions.
Garters like to thermoregulate so giving them a hot and cool spot is best. Garters are very inquisitive and spend a lot of time watching their world. 100° is too hot for a hot spot, low 90's would be better.
I've found paper towels to be an invitation for hiding. A pellet type substrate usually deters the hiding for the most part. Providing a hide on the hot spot and the cold spot is best.
Your snake is probably spending more time out then you see. Hope this helps but feel free to post addition questions.

Garter Snake Forum - Garter Caresheet