Watering seed trays

[Yorky]

Does anyone know how often seed trays should be watered when in a heated propagator? Initially they were watered from the bottom up by standing in a trough.

[Bigmallly]

Forgive me for appearing thick Yorky but how do you bottom water in a "heated" prop. Is it safe to put water in it. I just spray mine when they are looking dry.

[Incy]

I think you're supposed to mist them from time to time to make sure they stay damp but not soaked.

[Yorky]

Forgive me for appearing thick Yorky but how do you bottom water in a "heated" prop. Is it safe to put water in it. I just spray mine when they are looking dry.

I put the seed trays in a pan of water prior to placing them on to the glass-covered heat mat.

[Yorky]

I think you're supposed to mist them from time to time to make sure they stay damp but not soaked.

Do you mean mist the compost or wait until seedlings are visible?

[Incy]

If it seems to be getting dry then mist the compost or spray lightly, the main thing is to avoid drowning the seeds.

[Two_Sheds]

I never ever mist seedlings: it can lead to fungals and damping off

I stand trays and pots in a saucer of water for 20 mins. I know if someone needs watering because it feels light. Containers that feel heavy don't get watered

[Yorky]

Forgive my ignorance but what do you use to mist or spray lightly?

[Two_Sheds]

Forgive my ignorance but what do you use to mist or spray lightly?

one of these

[Bren In Pots]

I use capillary matting in my heated propagator and by keeping it damp my seedlings can draw up what water they need.

[Yorky]

I use capillary matting in my heated propagator and by keeping it damp my seedlings can draw up what water they need.

Thanks. Is it just a case of laying the capillary mating on top of the glass-covered heat mat and then wetting the mat?

[Bren In Pots]

My propagator is similar to this one clicky click the base is like a seed tray without holes, not sure how yours works.

[Yorky]

Have started to use capillary matting and now want to create a reservoir with some wicks dipped in to it at one end and then underneath the capillary at the other end. This is for automatic watering purposes.

There isn't enough room on the same level as the propagator for a reservoir - would it work if the reservoir was placed on the shelf below or would the water not travel upwards by capillary action?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[Bren In Pots]

Yorky can you rig up something similar to this on two wests website:-

Water Reservoir

[Two_Sheds]

I'm not using my propagator at all now: it's plenty warm enough for germination now that we're into May