Electric propagator

Rocky1 · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:20 pm Post subject: Electric propagator

Hi all
i invested in an electric propagator this year and clearly have something to learn about here use. some of my seed beetroot came on a treat and then just died a death. my carrots are ok and some of my tomatoes have grown (2) out of 8. Has anyone got some tips for using an electric propagator? i think the fact that i used moss peat to plant the seeds in might be a issue as it might dry out to much with the heat. there are no setting on the propagator so is can only be rugalted by opening the small vent or taking the top off.

thanks

Nozebleed · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:38 pm Post subject:

hey rocky. i bought one last year and found it quite useful at the beginning...great for getting large amount of seeds to germinate in trays. i found using a sandy light soil best..john inns was very successful for my tomato's..i would cover the propogater with a towel to keep light out..checking it ever day or 2..as soon as the seeds broke through the soil i moved them to the grow light system! which is the best thing i've ever bought. to be honest i dont use the propgator anymore..i just sow seed under the grow light system and it works just fine.

http://www.mrmiddleton.com/index.php/indoor-grow-garden.htm?keyword=grow+light

Ben Yezir · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:26 pm Post subject:

I have found that herbs, tomatoes, peppers and other heat loving plants do well in a propagator, but things like beetroot don't need the heat and tend to keel over.

Rocky1 · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:33 am Post subject:

Hi all thanks for the tips the grow light looks good does the light from the bulbs keep them warm as well?

Nozebleed · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:32 am Post subject:

yeah the light is great for heating the soil. it's less hastle in my opinion.

Rocky1 · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:19 am Post subject:

thanks might try that next year.
Regards

AJ · Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 9:56 am Post subject: Re: Electric propagator

Try turning it off during the day as with the current weather conditions temps sore in there, plug it in at nite as it gets cold then. I also tend to use a watering matt and resovoir in the propogator so as to be sure the seedlings are getting enough water all the time.

Rocky1 · Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 9:54 am Post subject:

Hi that's useful info thanks, I have been taking the top off during the day and putting it back on at night. The watering mat sounds like a good idea. Thanks

AJ · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 9:17 pm Post subject:

no worries,
I find that on very hot days that water is just sucked up so if your away all day at work you could be in for a disaster by the time you get home. Works for me.