Heated Propagator Advice Please

Sheps · February 2023

Good evening everyone... I'm considering purchasing a heated windowsill propagator but, I'm not sure which one to buy.

It will mainly be used for Tomatoes, no more than 16 plants are planned, so 8 plants and probably 8 spares in case some don't germinate.

So, I guess it's between the Trio Top or the Fab 4.

https://www.garlandproducts.com/brochure/category/propagation-growing/propagation-range/heated-propagation.html

Any advice will be most welcome.

Thanks

Sheps...

HumberBoy · February 2023

Hi I wouldn't bother with a heated propagator. I save the plastic trays you get grapes in from the super market. Plant the seeds in one and use one as a top. Then put them on the bathroom window sill. They grow fine. I have just pricked out 10 plants that I started off about 3 weeks ago. I use this method for a lot of seeds until it is warm enough to start them off in the green house.
I am about to try an experiment by building a small hot bed in the greenhouse with horse muck and straw. I will hopefully save on electricity.

Fairygirl · February 2023

I agree . I don't really see the point of a heated propagator unless you also have the room, and somewhere warm enough, to put the plants as they all get potted on, and then go outside or in a greenhouse depending on the location and climate etc . The cost of heating a bigger area is also a factor.
Just sow a bit later -mid to late March

Sheps · February 2023

Thanks @Fairygirl and @HumberBoy

Advice taken onboard.

MikeOxgreen · February 2023

I can't help you make an informed choice, you have to do that really.
Personally I bought mine from Lidl and they're a very useful tool, I wouldn't be as successful with out them. I've got 4 and the wattage is so low (about 8w ea IIRC) that we don't notice the slight bit of extra power used. If we're having a cold night they stay on, sunny day? Switch off.
Some plants need as long a growing season as we can give them like the chillies and bell peppers which are coming up in mine now.
Our house isn't consistently warm enough to be without them.

Sheps · February 2023

Thanks @MikeOxgreen more food for thought.

I have always bought my Tomato plants from the local GC and grown them on in the greenhouse but, most of the time struggled to get the varieties I wanted to try, so thought I might have a try at growing some from seed.

chicky · February 2023

My heated propagator (Garland Super 7) was a game changer for me - my germination rates are now nearly 100% whereas before it was hit and miss. (When I say 100% I don’t mean that every seed I sow germinates, but that every batch I sow has at least something come up)

Had my unit about 15 years now.

Who doesn’t like a bit of bottom heat to get going 🤣

punkdoc · February 2023

I use mine for tropical ornamentals, which would not germinate without the extra heat.
I also use growlights, because without decent light, heat alone will produce very etiolated seedlings.

Fairygirl · February 2023

Light is more important for tomatoes than heat, when they're at the early stages, so bear that in mind.

Sheps · February 2023

Thanks @chicky and @punkdoc the argument for their effectiveness is growing.

Fairygirl · February 2023

It's the growing on that matters though. You need a fair bit of room for 16 tomato plants [or even 8 if they all do well ] until they can safely go outside or into a greenhouse.

They also need temps reliably in double figures overnight to thrive.

Heated Propagator Advice Please

Posts