Propagator problems

[AliSmith]

Hi all.

I have a heated propagator which is great, but the problem I have is that although the seeds germinate quickly, they soon get very 'leggy' with the stem far too long. For example a sowed 6 cucumber seeds in jiffy coir expanding pots on Monday (16th March). They had started to germinate by Thursday, and now the stems are almost 3 inches long. The spinach is also doing the same thing now! The propagator is too wide to sit on the windowsill, so I have placed it as near as possible to the windowsill and at the same height (windows face south west). What am I doing wrong, and how can I correct this.

[veggiechicken]

Hi and welcome.
You should take them out of the heat and into the light as soon as they germinate.
Spinach doesn't need to be in heat to germinate.

[Jungle Jane]

Could you pot them on now, put the pots on the windowsill to get more light?

[Scarlet]

As said above. You can put your propagator anywhere. The seeds don't need light to germinate. As soon as you see a speck of green get your seedling out of the propagator and on the windowsill. Don't use it for cold tolerant plants, brassicas, sprouts caulis, chard etc will all germinate quite happily without the extra heat from you propagator. I generally use mine for toms and chillies or for things that need a long growing season, get them sprouting quick.
3inches might be too big but you could try potting them in as deep as you can? Have you got any photos?

[Bigmallly]

Hello Ali & welcome to the jungle. I can only echo what has already been advised, warmth for germination then once you see the seedling, put it in the light. My heated prop is outside in a lean to GH so I have the benefit of immediate light once germinated.

[Sarico]

I don't know but I may be wrong but maybe is a lit bit early for squash now? I noticed that when you plant them early they don't get as big the later one planted mid April. Maybe is only for me here in the northwest.

[Bigmallly]

I have 5 Cucs coming along nicely in an unheated GH. I don't think it's early for them.

[Sarico]

So if that the case I'll plant some tomorrow if they don't survive I can still plant them more later

[Kristen]

To prevent cold stress Cucumbers need 10C minimum.

[Valleyman]

Surprised about the cucumbers being okay in the greenhouse. My first set of germinated cucumbers were put in the bathroom window and 3 died because of the cold...