choices for heated propogator

Do I need one of the above? Only really have window sills to put trays on and they get a bit chilly at night. If I do need one what sort of thing should I be looking for? am not going to get a huge one. I had a quick browse and saw ones for about �£16 but no idea if they are any good or not

 

Certainly a propagator is useful L.G. Which one you need is completely up to you. If you aren't growing a lot from seed then a small one is adequate because once your seeds have germinated you can move them to your window sills. If, like some of us, you are growing everything you can from seed and particularly if you are into growing exotic plants then I would say that a propagator is next to essential. Just don't get carried away and start putting stuff in too early and then as it starts to grow you have nowhere to put the young plants. :D

 

I would agree with John. The heat is useful to get the seeds to germinate (ie to convince them the warm weather has arrived). But for ordinary plants, once they have germinated, the seedlings are usually happy at the lower temperatures outside of the propagator. Its a bit of a scam really!

Don't overlook the value of an unheated propagator, ie just a plastic lid over a tray of seeds, or a tray of small pots. The great benefit of having a top over the seeds is to prevent them drying out when they are at such vulnerable stage. It will also trap the suns rays, like an unheated greenhouse. Most garden plants don't mind the temperature dropping at night. That's what happens in nature.

 

L-G
I started growing from seed last year and bought the "Garland Super 7 Propagator" ( Try Amazon or just do a Google search) at around �£29. The seven cells and slim design make it perfect for windowsill gardeners. The seeds that require germination at around 25�­�­�°C I place in the heated propagator, and remove after germination , and the ones that require 15�° - 20�°C I place on the windowsill.
If you read the other threads on seed propagation the advice from peters and the others is really useful for us newbies.

 

I like my garland super 7 as I have 7 diffrent pots so can grow different things in the same propogator and control them all individually