Heated Propagator

[Currysniffa]

Good evening grapes

I have a question about heated propagators, I've never had or used one but I know what there are/for so I'm thinking that seeing as I struggled to get some seeds to germinate last season that I could do with one its my birthday next month and the OH keeps asking me what she can get me so two birds with one stone so to speak, what I want to know is are the cheaper ones under £20 worth the money or should I look at the more expensive ones?

Have you got one you'd recommend ?

Thank you in advance

[FionaH]

Moved from growing techniques

[Alison]

What do you want to propogate in it? I have a couple of cheapish ones which I use for chillies, peppers, aubergines etc but only for germination. As soon as they're through I take them out as I find it's too hot for them and not enough light. I think if you have the fancy thermostatically controlled ones you can control better but have never felt the need. One of mine is a thin window ledge one which I sometimes use for a while with the lids off, especially if it's very cold early in the season and that seems to work well.

[Aberdeenplotter]

If you do get one, also invest in a soil thermometer so you know exactly how high the heat output is. Best way to check a thermostatically controlled one is working to its stated temperatures as well.

[Currysniffa]

I was thinking of getting one just to help with germination really, peppers, chilli, toms and sweet corn I struggled with last season.


(thanks for moving post FionaH, I posted in the wrong place twice )

[Gearoid]

I stick my seeds to germinate in the airing cupboard if they need a bit of extra heat. Cheap option, but it works for me. Just have to remember to keep an eye on them so they don't dry out.

[Currysniffa]

Yeah lots of people use there airing cupboard and I used to but we had a new GCH system fitted a couple of years ago and the tanks and old back boiler went to the tip leaving me a lovely big cupboard to store my camping gear but a need for a heated propagator..

[Currysniffa]

Also will one be enough? I have two half allotment plots so March to June will be a very busy time for the one heated propagator?

[smallblueplanet]

Depends how much you want to grow. Most stuff for UK growing & planting can just be started outdoors or inside without extra heat.

But for chillies, aubs, etc I use a heated prop cos it's easier (& faster). We've a double seed tray sized one that was bought years ago on special offer. No problem with it not being thermostatically controlled & we never bother with a thermometer.

I think B&Q are one of the places that often have offers of the single seed tray sized ones & they seem good value from what others have said - have a search on the boards there have been lots of previous threads.

[Bigmallly]

I have 2 of these & wouldn't be without them. Half the price I paid as well...

Google Image Result for http://www.selections.com/images/products/picture1zoom/GF7966.jpg

[Currysniffa]

I have 2 of these & wouldn't be without them. Half the price I paid as well...

Google Image Result for http://www.selections.com/images/products/picture1zoom/GF7966.jpg

Half the price because that ones not a Heated mate, this one is Window Sill Propagator - Heated

Edit: I don't think we have a window sill wide enough as we've blinds at all the windows bar one but there isn't a socket half way up our stairs.

[phil the shed]

i have 2 that came from wilko's about £12 each at the time no controls just on or off.
you get good germination but don't leave things in them too long as they can get real leggy.

[Bren In Pots]

Mines a sankey propagator it has a couple of trays and a piece of capillary matting included but apart from that its same as the B&Q propagator

It was handy to give my Chilli seeds a early start

[Bigmallly]

Half the price because that ones not a Heated mate, this one is Window Sill Propagator - Heated

Thanks for that CS, I feel a lot better knowing that I wasn't ripped off.....

[Flummery]

Some people swear by them (some AT them!) I don't use one - I manage to get chillies and toms to germinate on the windowsill with a poly bag over the pot. Then I spend me money on stiff things for my peas to grow up - ooo-er missus!