Topic: cheap propagator

[Veggie Mad]

Hi can anyone help me I am looking for a cheap propagator prefer one that does need mains connection as I have no power supply in my plastic greenhouse.  I thought it if I get one soon I can start on the tomatoes. :)

[adam04]

get sum little twigs. stick into middle of pot. so it sticks up about 3 inches above pot.

sow seeds. then get a piece of cling film. cover it to create like a little tent. make it tight but so the twig wont pierce the film. secure around pot wth plastic band if nescesary. pierce a couple of small holes in top to let air circulate better.

there you go, one very very chea propagotor.

[adam04]

or you can buy seed trays with plastic covers. they look like the electric propagators, just without the lead...

[adam04]

no,  no need to start that early anyway not enough light either i imagine.

i would wait until about end Feb

[Jesse]

I use my airing cupboard to germinate most of the heat loving seeds, put some plastic over the top of the pots, check on them every day and as soon as the seedlings emerge remove from airing cupboard, take off plastic and leave on a bright warm windowsill. I had very good germination rates using this method. :)

[adam04]

also heard of that working.   bit stuck if you forget. you airing cupboard would be a jungle of yellow stems!

[Jesse]

 ;D ;D

[Paulines7]

I have propagated seeds indoors by sowing them on damp kitchen roll placed in a small container with cling film over the top.  When they start sprouting, I transfer them into pots or trays.  

[kenkew]

Apart from maybe sweetpeas, I'm in no rush to start sowing.

[Derekthefox]

Don't aubergines appreciate being started early though?

[Jesse]

I sowed mine 31st Jan last year, used airing cupboard as a propogator, then onto windowsill before going into conservatory in pots, got a great crop and early too, can't remember the date (didn't write it down) but mine were cropping when others were only just starting to flower. :)

oooh, just found a photo, this was taken on 22nd June.

[ipt8]

Use an old fish tank as a propogator!

[MikeB]

In the 'New seed starters handbook' it suggests sowing seeds in December for fruit in may using cold tolerant varieties like siberia and santa.  Like ipt8 I use an old tropical fish tank as a propagator at this time of year since I can rig it up in the house and save on heating.

[Derekthefox]

Impressive Jesseveve ...