To cover or not to cover that is the question

[workhorse]

I am now starting to sow my first seeds, and I'm using my unheated greenhouse during the day, and bring them in of a night.

I have a number of seed trays, and the same number of propagator lids. Should I put the lids on during the day, when the seeds are in the green house, or leave them off.

I suppose what I'm saying is. What is the correct usage of Propagator lids. Those being used do not have ventilators on them.

[gardenplot]

I have sown some seeds and all look to be doing ok in unheated greenhouse, some seeds have started sprouting.
I have mine in trays with propagator lids on, only remove them to water.

so i would say yes.

[pigletwillie]

If its not a cold day, leave them off. it prevents condensation and the risk of damping off. Once germinated, the need for any heat is very much reduced.

[workhorse]

Thanks for the information. Two contrasting approaches, very interesting.

[nick the grief]

OK I'll give you a third ... no I agree with Piglet.

The cooler you can keep them (within reason) the better they will be. If they get too warm they will get leggy and weak. I would even go so far as to risk them out in the greenhouse full time but with the lids on for the last hour or so to build up a bit of warmth in there and it it gets really cold, drape some fleece over.

Or you could put a parafin frame heater under the staging at night and it will give enough back ground heat to keep them going.

[workhorse]

Thanks NTG. The greenhouse over the last couple of days has been quite warm, so that has been fine, and of a night, I bring them in to the heated conservatory, just to be on the safe side. Do you think I'm doing right.

[nick the grief]

What are they WH?

[cottage garden]

The most important thing is to try and keep a constant temperature. At this time of year my soil thermometer is in constant use. Personally, I use lids until the seeds have germinated then I keep them with just bottom heat for a week, then take them off all heat and sow more seeds in my propagator.

Good luck

[workhorse]

I have a couple of variety of tomatoes on the go, and some bedding plants, but not to many.