Daft propogator question

[FionaH]

Ok I have a new toy. A heated propogator I'm going to start some aubergines and chillis off in it today. So far so good......
Now for the numpty bit! Having put sand on the base can I just put the seed modules straight on top oif it? Or do they have to be in a seed tray as well? Had scarey visions of the seed tray melting
ok ok I know its never going to get that hot, but be patient with me I feel like a first time parent!

[bluemoon]

I just put seed modules in without sand. They won't melt, but they will need to be put in a rigid seed tray when they come out. Also don't forget to remove them as soon as they have germinated or they will go very leggy, very quickly.

[Two_Sheds]

Why the sand?

I just put plastic modules in the prop: they won't melt.

(I put plant labels in the dishwasher at 50C and they don't melt either)

[dandamegs]

I put a thin layer of compost in mine.

Probably another of my hiccups as I always thought it spread the heat more evenly across the base.

[FionaH]

Why the sand?

I just put plastic modules in the prop: they won't melt.

(I put plant labels in the dishwasher at 50C and they don't melt either)

Apparently the sand helps the heat distribute evenly? Or so the bloke in the GC said anyway
I have the Stewart basic one, no thermostat. Can I just leave it switched on all the time?

ps Two Sheds I didnt REALLY think things would melt, cos that would be very silly

[Two_Sheds]

I keep mine in an unheated room, on all the time - unless the sun is baking through the window and the prop. gets too sweaty, then I turn it off.

[FionaH]

Thanks TS

[Sanjo]

I also have a layer of damp compost in mine. I think it was on the advice I got when I first had the propagator. Something to do with even heat distribution and providing a moist atmosphere.

[janeyo]

I have mine on a timer and it only goes on overnight. No sand or compost in mine, just the trays on the base. It only gets warm, not hot hot.

[PAULW]

Didn't you get a piece of moisture retaining fabric stuff with your propagator? this helps when watering from the bottom and gives a bit of humidity.

[FionaH]

Didn't you get a piece of moisture retaining fabric stuff with your propagator? this helps when watering from the bottom and gives a bit of humidity.

no its a bottom of the range one, no bells or whistles. Not a bargain though, I got it online then found it cheaper in the garden centre

[BarleySugar]

I have a bit of capilary matting in the bottom of mine like PAULW, it's cleaner than sand or compost when you take out the trays , I just washed it when I came to the end of the season last year and put it away dry.