Heated propagator and/or grow lights

[Containergardener]

Do you all use them?
I don't have either , Start things off in living room (west facing large windowsill) but wonder if would help kick start toms and chilli plants or just start them earlier still like now

[Cadalot]

There are a couple of threads on here somewhere re grow lights, this year I made some portable grow stations see Alans Allotment: Grow Stations I'm a month in front on the tomato front this year as a result of using the grow stations.

[Penellype]

I find grow lights invaluable and have 3 lots - 2 grow light gardens and a taller set for bringing on tomatoes. One of the grow light gardens is in use all year round for seedlings and lettuces, the others are upstairs where it is warmer and are used only in the spring when things get more than a little crowded.

I also have a heated propagator, which I have not turned on for at least 6 years because I can manage perfectly well without it. I do use it (switched off) as an ordinary unheated propagator.

[burnie]

I use a small heated propagator in an unheated conservatory to start off onion seeds and leeks in December, then the chillies went in later followed by the tomatoes. Having had all new windows fitted along with nice new oak window sills I am under threat of something nasty if I mark the sills with plant pots lol.

[Containergardener]

Hmm definately got my head thinking the way forward for me, faster and less windowsills full waiting for germinating seeds
OH is very handy so il check out your link later Cad, thanks everyone.

[ESBkevin]

I have a standared and double size heated propagator which get used for some early seedlings in an unheated shed. I also use a windowsill in the house, but no grow lights.

[Jimmy]

I have a small electric tray based propagator and start chiiles and toms off on that.
Once potted on I have a large electric bench propogator (DIY) to get them to the stage where they can go in a cold GH.
Then all propagators get dismantled and go back in my shed.
Jimmy

[Small pumpkin]

Heated propagator, 100% get one, get one get one. Always start my toms & chillies in it. Plus a few other things that have a tendency to be a bit slow or stubborn to germinate.

Lights I used for the first time this year ( December through to March). To be honest it's only in the last month that its become clear to me how much further along all my chillies are because of it. I'd say yes to one of those as well.

[Containergardener]

It seems it's the way ahead for me , I do need to be ahead early as don't have long enough before the frosts.
Thanks folks

[Jungle Jane]

I use the aquarium light for a few plants,I don't have a heated propagator. The lights stop the seedlings getting leggy,you can give the plants as much artificial sun as you want to make them think they're growing somewhere tropical,it's nice sowing seeds in January like a French/English marigold that flower early in the spring before the normal March windowsill seedlings. But it's easy to sow too many seeds for the space,when it's time to pot them on they take up more space in their bigger pots,but you can kind of guess how many plants or 3" pots it can cope with.

[treepixie]

I use the grow units from ikea, brought all my plants on this year a treat

Indoor Growing Kits & Cultivators - IKEA

[rary]

I have a hot bed made with a heating cable,and started off my seeds in this and once up used a grow light hoping for an early start to picking tomatoes, I pulled the first one yesterday which is a month later than last year when they were sowed later and no lights used, I think its been the cold nights that has held them back, if I want earlier tomatoes I think I would need to heat the greenhouse

[Jungle Jane]

I remember the spring being cold & having all my tomato plants indoors on a frame by the patio door,day & night some days,they had a slow start,mine are all outside now & green. The balconi red plant I started under the light in January has given me three red tomatoes. I remember something being said about this years weather not being as good as last years El Niño is this year La Niña or something?

[Containergardener]

Oh god and last yrs weather was cold n rubbish. I remember that Nina /Nino being the cause now you mention it..hope it goes away .
Yes, I think I need to not rely on the weather and create what they need instead and if..IF we get good weather it's a bonus