Heated propagators

[Greenleaves]

Evening All

My son has just asked me what I would like for Fathers Day. I have always toyed with getting a heated propagator but never have.

The issue will be getting permission as to where I put it from SWBBO

Any recommendations on good ones? I was looking at the Super 7.....but looks a tad small

[SusieG]

Greenleaves, shall wait for responses to your question, too, as I also would love a heated propagator but don't know how big to go! Is bigger better??

[veggiechicken]

Do you want one with a thermostat or a bog standard non-variable heat one?
I have a couple of the latter - and a Super7. I prefer a big jobbie with room for a couple of seed trays or pots. More versatile, I find, than the windowsill props.

[SusieG]

VC, thanks. Do you keep yours in the house or out in the GH?
So if not on a windowsill, where does your bigger prop live??

[Greenleaves]

Thanks VC, bog sandard is good enough for me, the windowsill one appealled as i can hide that

[SusieG]

Haha GL, very sneaky !!!

[Chris11]

Depending on space and budget.....

The Wilko ones are a good starting point for a basic heated propagator, £15 or £30 depending on the size you go for:
wilko.com - electric propagator
If you order by free click & collect, there's no wasted trips to the shop or delivery charges.

If you've got the space (and somebody to spend £200 ), then you could go for a large Geopod with variable control precision thermostat and built in lights and reflectors:
Heated Propagator with Integrated Propagation Lights

[SusieG]

Chris11, just had a peep at the gorgeous heated, lit, vented prop - £199 doesn't sound as bad ...
Then I looked at the Wilko thread ...
Just shouldn't have looked at the first one ...

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

Depends really where ya wanna go with this GL!

Bog standard none variable heat cheap "Jobbie" ya can pick from "Lidle" for as little as £12, yes I have 2

Super seven's, again non variable! But swear by these "Babies"
Sit on the window sil perfectly, non descreat and have the ability to sow several seed types in small but big enough quantities for the average "Allotmenteer" I have 3

Then ya got a Stewart's Variable, a tad bigger, but worth their weight in gold for the little more experienced, knocking out at about 35 sheets! I have 1

Then the "Creme de la Creme"
Geo pod n vita pod! But on the market for just over a "Oner" think these are down for the more serious gardener!

When I have the space, one or both of these "Babies" will be mine!

[SaraJH]

I have a couple of Super 7s which are great but I'd really like something a bit bigger.

That Geo Propagator looks awesome!

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

They do Sarah! But don't come cheap!

[Jay-ell]

I have 2 of the Stewarts 52cm and they work pretty good.

[veggiechicken]

I have 2 of these Stewart Premium Heated Electric Propagator 52cm | Charlies Direct
and 2 of the smaller ones and a Super 7.
A big one lives in the kitchen and that's the one I use most. The others are in the GH but they can get too hot there and you have to be more careful about ventilation and watering. Same on a windowsill if its sunny.
Until the seeds have germinated, the prop can be anywhere, doesn't need sunlight. You must have somewhere to hide it from SWMBO

[Alison]

I thought about getting a thermostatically controlled one a few years ago but they were all bigger than I wanted and to be honest for most veggies general heat is fine and exact temps don't matter. The one I use most is the Garland window sill one that takes 3 half sized trays (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garden-Garl.../dp/B0010YVK0E). The Super 7 us too small but the one is really neat. I have a bigger one but haven't used it at all this year as things are only in there for a few days so I don't need much space.

[veggiechicken]

I bought an unheated 3 tray prop from Home Bargains a couple of weeks ago - £4.95 I think. The trays and lids fit on the Super7 base so I can swap them around - mix & match!