Few questions on propagators.

[4390evans]

I've just managed to get myself a 2nd hand propagator that will hold a 50 cell tray.

I've put my little chilli seedlings in there and some snap dragons but was wondering what you put in yours?

Also there is condensation in it but I question if its working or not? When I touch the base I can feel a slight warmth is this what I should expect?

What is the pros and cons of a propagator?

Thanks
Jen

[RedThorn]

4390evans - propagators question you asked

Couldn't reply to your post( think it is because it's under the archived section for some reason

I've just managed to get myself a 2nd hand propagator that will hold a 50 cell tray.

I've put my little chilli seedlings in there and some snap dragons but was wondering what you put in yours?

Also there is condensation in it but I question if its working or not? When I touch the base I can feel a slight warmth is this what I should expect?

What is the pros and cons of a propagator?

Thanks
Jen

When I see condensation, I open the vent a bit more.

When you consider 36.8degC is body temp, around 20degC won't feel warm to the touch.

I use mine mainly for toms and chillies

[veggiechicken]

Moved all posts from Archived to Vegging Out and deleted a couple of duplicates

[Bill HH]

Couldn't reply to your post( think it is because it's under the archived section for some reason



When I see condensation, I open the vent a bit more.

When you consider 36.8degC is body temp, around 20degC won't feel warm to the touch.

I use mine mainly for toms and chillies

In that case I could pop a few seeds into my belly button with a plaster to keep them in. The perfect environment.

[kathyd]

I find mine quite useful for germinating cats. I also have a few courgettes and cucumbers in there at the moment, and may kick start some french marigolds shortly, depending on the weather outside. And probably some squashes at some point, although it'd be nice to think I didn't need it by then!

[dod]

I find mine quite useful for germinating cats.

Cool, where do you get the seeds for one of those from?

[kathyd]

dod - they just seem to drift in from somewhere and take root once germinated with a bit of care and attention . I'm sure I could find you a couple if you like? * blink *

[Madasafish]

I germinate: begonia, dahlia, lobelia, tomatoes and courgettes in propagators, not to forget antirrhinum,Busy Lizzie, alyssum,mesembryathemum,and various others ...

[Philthy]

I have a heated tray that holds two A4 seed trays, each with a propogator lid.
I have moulded peat cells in both (don't generally bother with pricking out).
Left tray is all chillies (bit late sowing this year). Only a handful have sprouted so far.
Right tray is various things: cucumber, okra, marigolds, sweet pepper, and a perennial flower whose name I forget, but whose germination can take up to 4 months

Pro's have to be the stable environment and faster germination achieved from the optimum, maintained base temperature. Cons I guess would be the need to water more frequently, and possible cooking of seedlings on unusually hot days if the propogator is by a window.