Heated propergator

[EmmaLou]

I have been given a heated propergator, which I have already started off Cauliflowers, brussels, globe artichokes and peppers in.

My question is, when do I move the seedlings out of it once germination has occurred? Does it depend on what I am growing? And can I move the seedlings straight into an unheated greenhouse?

I am concerned that they aren't getting enough light in the house (no electric in the greenhouse).

thanks!

[EmmaLou]

[agapanthus]

Hi Lou.....I should'nt put them in a cold greenhouse...peppers and artichokes that is ....still a bit too cold for them. Your brassicas should be ok...although you may want to harden them off a bit 1st.

[SMP1704]

Hi

I am hardly an expert on this, but here's my 2p worth

I whip the seedlings out of the propagator as soon as they show their heads, then put them in the dining room by the french windows then aobut a week later in the plastic greenhouse, but that is in a very sheltered position.  After about another week, outside temps permitting, they come outside during the day.

This is just of brassicas, beetroot, spinach and peas.  Not thinking about any warm plants until Easter.

HTH

Sharon

[deboydoyd]

Hi, Am also a beginner but have a heated propergator, have had great problems with 'leggy' seedlings which then keel over and die (The light is quite poor where the propergator is) We have started whipping the seedling out into a coldframe as soon as the leaves hit the surface and results have improved but have to cover the coldframe with a blanket and plastic sheet everynight--lol they are now our extended family needing more caring for than our teenage children.

[John_H]

I do the same as SMP with seedlings.

For things like Toms and Peppers, that need to carry on growing inside for another month or so, I have cut the top and one long side off a couple of cardboard boxes, then lined the inside surfaces with aluminium foil. I put the plant pots in these and  point the open side towards the sun. This way the plants get some extra reflected sun throughout the day.

If you do this you also need to watch the boxes don't overheat as the sun gets stronger in a few weeks time. I put my 'light boxes' in the space between some net curtains and a slightly open sash window. This way they catch as much direct sunlight as possible, but any extra radient heat reflected by the foil can  escape upwards out of the top of the sash window rather than overheat the plants.

I start early peas indoors  in a 3 foot section of old drain pipe and cover the top with cling film. When they have germinated they go outside during the day and come in at night (but will soon be in the cold frame on the allotment, then when the ground warms up a bit  I will dig a short trench, put the drainpipe and peas in the right place and pull the drainpipe away, letting the peas fall into place ).

Lettuce germinate in plugs in the propergator and then go outside during the day and inside at night.

[northener]

I like the sound of them box's John nice idea. I have two electric propogators and two bog standard [only £4 ] start seeds off in electric and as soon as they develop two leaves put them into unheated ones. They do get leggy if you don't get them out of the heated soon enough.