Heated Propagator

[GreaterMarrow]

Hi all

So I just bought a heated propagator over the weekend, having never used one before. Any tips on what to start off in there would be nice!

I was thinking of doing a few tomatoes (I have some micro tom seeds I can't wait to start off).

I was also going to start off my first cauli/broccoli seeds, which I could then pot on and keep indoors before planting out later in the season - I'm not sure if it's a bit early for this though?

I'm also a bit concerned about planting directly into the seed tray in case the roots get tangled up and I can't separate the plants - I've always used the module trays or coir/compost disc things before!

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated

[WendyC]

Before you get carried away, where will your seedlings go once they have germinated? Seeds only need to be in the propagator until they have germinated, left in they will very quickly get leggy. The windowsill is ok for a while but the light levels aren't as good as in a greenhouse. I start my tomatoes during the first week in March and even then it is a gamble when to put them out in the unheated greenhouse.
Cauliflower and broccoli really don't need heat to germinate.
I line the base of my propagator with some fine gravel and then sit seed trays and pots on that. That way you can sow different varieties and take individual pots out as they are ready.

[Bacchus]

I've found that planting into modular trays in a propagator doesn't work that well - though that's probably because I wasn't using the right modular tray / propagator combination for the job. I've had the best results using just a plain tray for pricking out or jiffy 7's (I prefer the latter).

[Jay-ell]

I have a new legacy prop as well - would it be a good idea to fill it with damp sand and put the seed trays/modules on that to even out the heat?

[Valleyman]

At this time of year the heated propagator is used for chillis, peppers and other slow growers. They need the warmth, but also need the head start if I am to maximise my crop. They will be put in the greenhouse in April, and as they are slow growing won't take up too much room until then.

I also have a few toms in there at the moment. But that's more of an early sowing experiment. As fast growers if you start them off this early they might be too big, leggy and unmanageable by the time you can plant them out in the greenhouse (mid April-ish) or even outside (early May-ish).

I also do Basil in the heated propagator at the moment to get a head start on the season as I'll be growing a fair amount wherever I can find the space.

[Two_Sheds]

You absolutely don't sow hardy plants in a heated prop, they need to be grown cool and slow

[rhyswales]

You absolutely don't sow hardy plants in a heated prop, they need to be grown cool and slow

I sow literally everything in heated prop, have done for years, never had any problems, soon as the seedlings emerge i take them out and put them where they supposed to go.

[Kristen]

I will have more than enough seeds on the go over the next month or two, more than I have propagator space for, so things that don't need heat (Brassicas in particular) won't be given any