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Propagation

southwindblows11southwindblows11 Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hello
 The compost in my heated propagator keeps drying out and no sign of germination 
What can I do   i took the cover off as there was a lot of condensation 

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Hi @southwindblows11 Abd welcome to the forum 😊 

    I would put the cover back on. In my experience condensation isn’t a problem (in fact it’s helpful as the seeds need humidity) before germination ... only once the seedlings are growing ... I take them out of the propagator at that stage. 

    I hope that’s helpful 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • garymillaremailgarymillaremail Posts: 24
    Dovefromabove said:
    Hi @southwindblows11 Abd welcome to the forum 😊 

    I would put the cover back on. In my experience condensation isn’t a problem (in fact it’s helpful as the seeds need humidity) before germination ... only once the seedlings are growing ... I take them out of the propagator at that stage. 

    I hope that’s helpful 😊 
    Dovefromabove - in the GW article on seed/propagators there are seedlings which have germinated in the heated propagator. I'm relatively new to sowing seeds and using a heated propagator. You say you take the seedlings out once they are growing. Do you mean once they have all germinated, or once they are up a bit. And do you water from above or as GW recommend from the bottom by sitting them in a shallow tray of water for a bit. All tips/advice welcome.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I make sure the compost is damp by dunking the seed tray in a deeper tray of water then let excess drain before sowing the seeds.  Top with more compost if they are seedlings that need dark and then put the lid on to keep in the heat and moisture.

    If it doesn't start looking damp within the hour I spray with extra water to moisten the compost.  Every day I check, knock the lid to let moisture evaporation fall back on the compost and then I can see if I have babies.

    I usually wait till all the seedlings are thru before I pot them on but then I do sow sparingly in cell trays to avoid root disturbance and possible checking of seedlings when I pot them on.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I do roughly as @Obelixx describes. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    You may like to watch Charles Dowding on Youtube he does some very good vids about seed sowing, potting on etc.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmyD2iyB-FU&t=627s
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    you can lay some cling film over the compost. You'll see when germination starts but the soil will stay moist longer
    Devon.
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