Germination Related Questions

[broadway]

Hi folks, probably obvious to most but I need a bit of advice re germination and moving seeds on from the propagator.

So the pictures below show my heated propagator base with individual props.

Questions as follows….

When I move from the heat to the windowsill should I remove the lids?

Regards picture 2, as you can see only 2 of the 6 have germinated so far, therefore, do I move them now or give the others more time?

[veggiechicken]

I keep the vents open on the props to stop condensation.
Also I take the lids off when I take the trays off the prop.

If you're hoping for more seedlings in the part germinated tray you have a couple of options:-
take the tray off the prop and hope the others come up.
prick out those that have and leave the rest on the prop.

[nickdub]

I'd definitely take the lids off in the day time, apart from anything-else strong sunlight can cook plants in sealed containers with clear lids. Might be a case for putting the lids on again at night depending on what the plants are.

[broadway]

Thanks folks....

I have now opened the vents, doh!

I have now removed the lids from the props already sitting on windowsills.

Regards the part germinated tray, if i was to leave it on the heat what's the danger to the germinated seeds please?

[veggiechicken]

Regards the part germinated tray, if i was to leave it on the heat what's the danger to the germinated seeds please?

Take the lid off and if they have good light they should be OK for a little while.

[broadway]

Thanks VC, they have suitable light so hopefully won't get too leggy. I think I'll give them 24hrs then move to the WS but will keep the lid on at night.

[veggiechicken]

Good idea to keep the lid closed on the WC, broadway, though not when you're using it.

[quanglewangle]

Endorse all above.

I don't cover my propagator at all, apart from with fleece on cold nights because it's in the greenhouse. I would rather keep the compost moist by frequent watering or spraying rather than rely on returned condensation from the lid (which tends to wet the edges only and leave the center too dry)

Until the seeds germinate and break the surface their humidity is provided by the compost rather than the air. Once they are through too much humidity in the air is an invitation to damping off.

[broadway]

Update

Hello Folks

Ok so I've potted on my seedlings and they have been in the newly erected, and still standing, blow-away GH today.

Question, should I risk leaving them in there o/n or bring them indoors?

[veggiechicken]

What's your overnight temperature Danny?
If it near 10C cover them with flece/bubblewrap. If its a few degrees below 10, bring them in. They look very small to be out alone.

[broadway]

Thanks VC now tucked up indoors

So the general rule 10C and above ok for leaving outside?

[Martin H]

Thanks VC now tucked up indoors

So the general rule 10C and above ok for leaving outside?

The general rule depends on what you're growing!

10c is a good rule for tender stuff like peppers, cucs/courgettes/melons, tomatoes
4c is ok for most bedding plants and hardy veg
0c is ok for tough things like cabbages.

Looking at the pics they look like mostly 10c things.

[annie8]

Oh this is a handy thread it's my first year with a propogator and I was having the same issues. Have been moving to the windowsill once some germinate and pricking some out but thought I should keep lids on when it was in the propogator. Will take them off. Mine is inside.

[broadway]

The general rule depends on what you're growing!

10c is a good rule for tender stuff like peppers, cucs/courgettes/melons, tomatoes
4c is ok for most bedding plants and hardy veg
0c is ok for tough things like cabbages.

Looking at the pics they look like mostly 10c things.

Thanks Martin, yes agree 10c things