Propogators

[matt44]

Hi all,

This may seem like a completely stupid question BUT I'm going to ask anyway.

The father-in-law gave me a propogator (unheated).

How can I use it in the world of growing Veg?

Matt

[janeyo]

I think you just put seeds in it that are not allowed to go outside yet. And put it on the windowsill or the greenhouse or the coldframe depending on what the seed is.

Unless I am being a numpty! In which case someone will tell me and I will know in future!

janeyo

[Paul Wagland]

They're used to keep your seeds warm Matt, to encourage a better germination rate. By enclosing the seeds you create a mini-greenhouse effect, trapping a blanket of warm air around them, which stops them cooling down quiet so much overnight. Lots of seeds will only germinate if they are kept at a certain temperature. Too cool and they may well rot in damp ground.

Not a stupid question at all

[Maf]

I'm new (ish) to veg gardnin and have been playing with propagators (tho I haven't figured out how to spell it )

I'm on the top of a cold windy hill in the wilds of the yorkshire dales, so I bought a book on extending the seasons as the growing season here is so short.

Yes Propogaters got seedings off to a good start, but then they turn leggy and drop dead when planted outside. Even the most gradual hardening off fails if you live somewhere exposed.

My advice (to myself at least) is to sow direct outdoors, once the weather is kind enough.

Peppers, squash, toms etc might like your propagata to start with but can you keep them in the luxury they are accustomed to for the duration ?

[matt44]

haha, ok thanks.

I only have a shed I could put it in but then the seeds wouldnt get the sunlight they need?

[janeyo]

You have to let them get used to life outside the propagor slowly, or the shock will kill them. So first take the lid off and let them get used to that then pot them on and let them get used to that, then pop them outside in the coldframe and let them get used to that... see a pattern?? I don't think you can go straight from the progator to in the ground outside.

janeyo

[Paul Wagland]

I edit gardening mags for a living, and I'm never sure how to spell it either!

I'd settle for propagator I think....

[Eyren]

I edit gardening mags for a living, and I'm never sure how to spell it either!

I'd settle for propagator I think....

Looks good to me (used to edit science journals, so I have to know all that Latin and Greek stuff )

I use unheated propagators to get things like tomatoes going - I start them off in a warm room, then as soon as they start to germinate I move them to my (south-facing but unheated) conservatory to get more light - inside a mini-greenhouse to keep the cats off