Heated propagator - how and when to use

vfairbrass

I have recently acquired a heated propagator. Mindful of electricity usage is it a worthwhile appliance and what is the most valuable way to use it?
Valerie

Jayar

I have just been using mine to give seeds a head start in early spring, but this winter I have so many geraniums that I want to keep until next year that I am thinking of setting it up in the greenhouse just for that.
It doesn't cost much to run (about the same as a lightbulb I think)

Burp_2

Firstly why use one? I normally start seeds off in the kitchen windowsil last year I did toms, peppers, lettuces and beans and all started off fine in the windowsils in seed trays with no lids

What seeds love the propogator?

Whats the benefit of using a propogator?

Cheers

Burp x

alanobrien

The main benefit is that you can start seeds early and it offers a stable temperature 24 hours a day. In short its a way of "forcing" early seed germination nothing more than that. I use it to start of toms, chillies and some exotic garden flowers, its a lot cheaper than buying fully grown plants and more fun.

Burp_2

Thank you Alanobrian ... I may take it into work with me and use it there

Have you got anything in your propogator yet? Just wondering when to start it off and what to try in it

Burp x

nodwah

It's also very good when taking cuttings - the bottom heat helps them form roots much quicker

(other than that, bottom heat is the bane of my life )

Jake'sGran

My daughter bought me one. It has seven separate segments and I noticed in the catalogues that is is £39.95. I don't like it really as I think it gets too hot for some seeds. Before this I used to use clean small pots, fill with new all purpose compost which was dampened first and then I covered them with cling film. The main thing was that I had a nice spot on top of the boiler housing in the kitchen and the heat must have been just right as I got a lot more germination there.
This year I am considering buying a plug-in blanket thing that I can just sit a lot of small pots on. I am a bit obsessive about seed sowing. Incidentally, I want to buy some seeds call Astrantia Major this year and in Chiltern seed they are nearly £3 but in a catalogue listed in the Times this weekend they are over £1 less with cheaper postage - just got to shop around!

angelavdavis

Burp wrote: »

Whats the benefit of using a propogator?

Chillis, some peppers and tomatoes prefer heat, aubergine, basil, coriander, parsnips will germinate more quickly with some heat.

The propagator will help you to extend the growing season really.

alanobrien

Burp wrote: »

Thank you Alanobrian ... I may take it into work with me and use it there

Have you got anything in your propogator yet? Just wondering when to start it off and what to try in it

Burp x

All sorts in my indoor props, chillies, Gloriosa Superba, Musa Chini Champa, and a few carniverous plant seeds to name but a few. I am just in the process of making a 5ft propergator for the greenhouse using a soil heating cable and the cover from an old 4 tier greenhouse. I will start all my other veg and garden flowers in there this year.

Jake'sGran

alanobrien wrote: »

All sorts in my indoor props, chillies, Gloriosa Superba, Musa Chini Champa, and a few carniverous plant seeds to name but a few. I am just in the process of making a 5ft propergator for the greenhouse using a soil heating cable and the cover from an old 4 tier greenhouse. I will start all my other veg and garden flowers in there this year.

Got me going now. Must look up Musa Chini Champa and Gloriosa.....

Very boring but today I did my first sowings - lobelia and chillis.