8 x 2 Heated Propagator.

Just finished this today.



















I lined my bench with 200 gauge plastic to protect the wooden bench from moisture and to keep that within the sand. Then I lined it with 1 inch thick polystyrene sheet for insulation, then spread a layer of sand (inch or so) then I coiled my soil warming cable up and down the length of the bench using piles of sand to hold it in place before finally covering with a couple of inches of sand on top.

I added another plastic sheet to go on top to help prevent moisture loss from the sand and to keep it clean.

Steve...

 

Thanks, I was seriously considering setting up one of these, but have delayed it because I'm now thinking of both replacing my greenhouse and relocating a new one to another location in my garden (but I need to fell some trees first), so have deferred it to then when I would also intend setting up some sort of 'sliding growlight' arrangement above to share the extra light.

Can't you just link the pics to your blog post rather than replicating on pb?, for example:



etc.

 

First class Steve.

 

Good job there steve , plus a nice set of how-to photos

 

Cracking job Steve

 

Nice one steve,

 

This new propagator has been in constant use since it was made, and I've just refilled it with trays of sown seeds.

Around 30 varieties of biennial and perennial flowers for next year....and counting!



Steve...

 

Proper job that Steve

 

Really envious

 

Updated

 

The day after I posted this originally, I went ahead and made a cover for the top consisting of a light framework and bubblewrap cover to help contain the heat. The top area is around 18 inches tall.







I also added the thermostat to finish it off, its mostly hidden at the end of the frame fixed to a board. Both the soil warming cable and thermostat are from Bio-green.

Steve...

 

Hi Steve,

All sounds good, but could I offer two tips to improve your bench.

Make the top of the cover / frame into a hinged lid so that you can open it as in spring it can get really hot during sunny periods.
I tie a string from my auto roof vent so that when it opens it pulls the lid up as well.

Add a small fan as stagnant air can be a problem, I have run one of the 6" usb desk fans 24/7 for over a year and its still ok, importantly its only usb 5v power so no mains problems to worry about.

 

Thanks ricky, it's a bubble wrap curtain that is opened in the morning and shut at night. And it is ventilated quite a few times every day..the greenhouse is very busy in spring.

Steve...