Propagator advice

[Paul Bromley]

Hi all would be grateful for some advice, I have a vita pod propagator in a bedroom but the light levels are not good. I have started some chills which are just showing but I am concerned about light for them at a later stage, we do not have suitable windowsills. I am considering buying another propagator to put outside in my unheated greenhouse to get over the light issues (or move the vita pod). My question is will the propagator be able to keep the temperatures sufficiently high to keep the plants happy ?. Any other suggestions welcome. Amazing how much you don't think about aint it !!!!!

Happy new year all.

Paul.

[chris]

You can either plant them deeper when you pot them on (so they don't appear as leggy), or use growlights as two alternatives

[Aberdeenplotter]

growlights from as little as £5 on fleabay. Just a single bulb but that is adequate for a single seed tray. Screw fitting so you may need to buy a lamp holder as well.

[johnjohn]

If it helps, more info on grow lights on these two threads:

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...xes_44716.html

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...hts_69290.html

[johnjohn]

I am considering buying another propagator to put outside in my unheated greenhouse to get over the light issues (or move the vita pod). My question is will the propagator be able to keep the temperatures sufficiently high to keep the plants happy ?.

The Vitapod heated prop indicates that it is thermostatically controlled and gives an adjustable heat range of 5-30C.
I'm going to guess though that in the instructions it will probably then say that this heat range is dependent on current temperature and that it will provide a heat range of only approx 10-15 deg C above current temperature?
Based on this I shouldn't think that if it was in the greenhouse during a cold winter it will maintain an adequate temperature for chillies, hence the suggestions for artificial lighting.

[Paul Bromley]

Thanks all a steep learning curve at the moment !

[bravo2zero]

Bit early for sowing chillis toms etc. Ive found that sowing first week in march in a heated prop to prompt germination then moved to the greenhouse with a little bottom heat provides the UNCHECKED GROWTH that they will thrive on. on an average year i plant in greenhouse/tunnel borders and cropping them 3rd week in july. I understand the enthusiasm but sit on your hands and wait till the natural light levels are better and improving oh and im in south yorskshire.

[Paul Bromley]

Bit early for sowing chillis toms etc. Ive found that sowing first week in march in a heated prop to prompt germination then moved to the greenhouse with a little bottom heat provides the UNCHECKED GROWTH that they will thrive on. on an average year i plant in greenhouse/tunnel borders and cropping them 3rd week in july. I understand the enthusiasm but sit on your hands and wait till the natural light levels are better and improving oh and im in south yorskshire.

Hi thanks for the advice clearly there are all sorts of opinions to confuse a beginner like me ! I will persevere with these and see what happens but your post has given me comfort that if all goes belly up I have time for another go. Good wishes.