Heated propagator

Hi Everyone

Just brought a heated propagator today and wondering what and when to start sowing some seeds? Have brought some Petunias, Geranium, Begonias, Gazanias, Dahlias, Coleus and Nasturtium. Will be using it in the house on a windowsill, Was wondering what would be best to start off first? Any past experiances or ideas i would be very grateful Newby

 

Its a bit early mowgley, but if you cant resist it, go for the geraniums and begonias, I'd leave the rest till at least mid feb. better march Nasturtium probably last in april.
Bear in mind that you will need space for growing them on in warmish conditions after they germinate and need to come out of the propagator.

 

Thx Pete for your quick reply.

I thought about buying a mini pvc grow house. Are these any good if we have frosts or for growing on? only problem rear garden small :(

Many thx
Sean

 

Hi there - I know the feeling of wanting to get going only too well at this time of year.
Ive found that most tender container plants (raised off the ground for drainage) and seedlings growing in covered ventilated propogators - do just as well close to the house wall in a sunny (south or west facing) house wall as in a mini frame. Have tried both, and no longer use my PVC frame. Only thing you gotta watch for is high wind - and if expected weight the propogator lids.

I do have a greenhouse - south facing - but I rarely start my seeds in it now - preferring to use covered propogators on the table on the patio (moving them close to the housewall overnight if late frost is forecast) and leave sowing til later than I used to. During the day the temperature can soar in the greenhouse - even with ventilation, and I find the temperature range too much for early sowing

[ 10. January 2006, 10:59 PM: Message edited by: Fran ]

 

Mowgley, I dont know much about those mini greenhouses, But it will be much too early to put the plants into one for growing on until at least March or April. They are not much in the way of frost protection without some heating.
It all boils down to the fact that its a bit too early really.

 

Just to add: it's not only the temperature you have to be wary of. Daylight comes into it as well and if you plant when there is insufficient daylight you will get weak spindley seedlings. Allowing 2-4 weeks for germination and 12 hours of daylight at the March equinox means you should be sowing sometime at the end of February or early March for best results without forcing with growlights. If the Spring weather is particulary bad and overcast I would even leave it a bit later.

 

Thank you all for your valued input.
Will leave it till early March.
Will let you all know how my first attempts of seed growing goes
Again many thx Sean