Heated propagators

[Chrissyteacup]

Hi all, any recommendations on heated propagators was looking at Geopod Heated Propagator so I can start things a little earlier. Has anyone tried it or one similar? I’m hoping Santa might bring me one!
Thanks!

[Bren In Pots]

Can't help sorry Chrissy mines a cheap one without a thermostat but the Geopod is mentioned in both these older threads :-

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...eat_87938.html

https://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gr...ors_89475.html

[Chrissyteacup]

Thanks Bren I did look at the cheaper ones like mat heaters but if I can get it as a gift it’s be nice to have the bells & whistles too.

[1Bee]

I just picked up a cheap one from Aldi. It's been fabulous!

[ESBkevin]

They will get you a little bit of a head start, but light is as much of a problem as heat in the depths of winter.
Charles Downing claims that being too early means a later sowing will pass them and produce a better plant in most cases.
Some things need a long growing season so things like peppers, chillis, cucumbers and tomatoes can benefit, but again daylight is the enemy so a cheaper heated propogator and a cheap grow light and screen/cover might give you better results. Our experience is of being too soon with some things and then trying to keep everthing from going leggy after a few weeks.
That said it's fun trying and seeing green shoots is a reminder of good times to come.

[DannyK]

I've got a Vitapod. They have advantage that you can add height to them. Pricey though.https://www.greenhousesensation.co.u...SAAEgJEwfD_BwE

[bario1]

Yeah I'd go vitopod if I had the space, i think they have built in lights?

Having googled 'geopod' i see it's basically the same thing!

[Stan79]

Wow they're expensive! And as said above, if you start them off too early you need to factor some extra light into the equation.

I reckon an electric blanket off your bed on a thermostat or a timer and a grow light would work out a lot cheaper!!!

[Chrissyteacup]

Thanks for all your input! I was only leaning towards the geopod type as one with built in grow lights is about the same price as the vitopod without lights! But will have a look at grow lights and cheaper ones too!