propagator

[anthonyjb]

Hi All
I am thinking of getting a propagator
what good and bad points do I look for
thanks
Anthony

[Alison]

Depends what you want to grow in it and how much. I have a largish heated one and several small basic ones which are little more than plastic covers over trays, even these help with bringing some seeds on, in particular tomatoes. I tend to find that putting them in heated ones means you end up with loads of really leggy seedlings as they grow so fast and I never spot them quick enough! Seriously though, where are you thinking of putting your propogator (house / greenhouse etc) and, as I said, what are you wanting to propogate?

[Polly Fouracre]

I have a large,heated propagator(a gift from a friend who was moving to a gardenless new home)I have found it invaluable for germinating tomatoes,peppers,petunias etc.
Also it has been a life-saver for rearing Japanese Quail!!
I hatch them in a small and basic incubator,then put them in the propagator as one would a (well a propagator!!) hard work but great fun.Lovely eggs and nice meat!

[anthonyjb]

Hi Alison

I was thinking of putting it in the cons
general seed ie onoins etc
someone said Sankey 2000
have you heard of it
regards

Anthony

[Alison]

Not sure what type my heated one is (in the loft at this time of year!) but it's a VERY basic model which doesn't have any kind of variable temp control ie it simply heats up to greater than the outside temp to give the seeds a boost. You'll pay a fair bit more for variable control but obviously it can help getting the optimum temperature for germinating. Suppose it depends how much you'll use it and what for . Also I suppose it also depends on how much the temperature fluctuates outside. I tend to use ours on the dining table which is a fairly stable room temperature wise but obviously this wouldn't be the case if you were putting it in your conservatory. Sankey are a well known brand so should think they're pretty good, there's bound to be somebody about who has one who can give specific advice.

[JennieAtkinson]

Anthony - have a look at NR Kays catalogue. They do propagators at a good price, which meant I was able to get a pretty large one for about £30.

[Madasafish]

I've had one for about 15 years.

My tips:
1. buy as big as you can afford: and can keep in the light and store when not needed.
2. Adjustable temperature is a must
3. Clear cases often crack: check for a sturdy one. Mine has been cracked for 10 years.. and still is ok.
4. Cord must be at least 2 metres long or you'll need an extension.

I use mine in garage with growlight Jan/Feb for tomatoes/ etc. then on winodwsill with normal light.

[Alison]

I've had one for about 15 years.

My tips:
1. buy as big as you can afford: and can keep in the light and store when not needed.
2. Adjustable temperature is a must
3. Clear cases often crack: check for a sturdy one. Mine has been cracked for 10 years.. and still is ok.
4. Cord must be at least 2 metres long or you'll need an extension.

I use mine in garage with growlight Jan/Feb for tomatoes/ etc. then on winodwsill with normal light.

Agree with your points to some extent but don't think this is the full picture. Firstly it's not just as big as you can afford as you also need to consider what you are growing. There is no point in having a huge propogator if you are only growing half a dozen pepper plants (say) as it's a waste of money, space and fuel. Furthermore, don't agree that adjustable temp is a must, again it depends on what you're growing and where. They're a lot more and not always necessary. Not had any probs with cases cracking but it always makes sense to check it's well made. Definitely agree with the cable, suffer too much generally around the house with short cords, nightmare

[momol]

Hi Anthony,

Thnks for bringing this up, and thanks for all the tips grapes
I just bought one, and haven't use them too and really looking forward to using them next year. Mine is pretty basic and has no temp control, it could fit 4 small individual trays with it's individul lid and is design for windowsill. Hope it will work ok...

Cheers,
Momol