An idea. Or 2.
1. You appear to have heat in your box. Thermostatic?
2. As said, too much heat can cause legginess. But the main cause is insufficient light in relation to the heat. Light can be provided by artificial means, or using reflectors to make the best of what God gives you.
3. I would germinate with lid on at 55-65F - higher for peppers etc. Most like darkness but some, like lettuces, like light. NOT in direct sun. And yes, I would ventilate on germination. No need to take the lid off until the seedlings are near the top. Yes, the higher the lid, the easier it is to maintain the climate you want. And grow on further.
4. EVEN moisture & heat is important. Use a soil thermometer.
5. Space seeds well to avoid overcrowding - another cause of legginess. Prick out as soon as possible.
That's a start?? = Tim
Thanks Tim. I think there are too many subject headings on this site,miss lots of things. Propagators should be ok in edible cos some things grown in them are edible.
It is thermostatic,soil around 32C
I think I tried too many things at once.
I need to concentrate more on success of one thing I think, but I was trying to utilise the space in the heated box!
My mate mentioned heat & light ratio making a difference.
If I get a light,would it be on all the time?
Any sort or UV type?
Each to his own - I regard a 'gator as machinery!!
1. In my humble opinion, 32C is far too hot for anything. However, it depends where it is. If in a greenhouse, most units are pushed to hold 65F.
2. Lighting? A 'Gro-light' fluorescent will work but it's horses for courses. The more light the better - after germination. Did you see the lamp we bought? Can't afford more than extending daylight by 5 hours each end. Cost a bomb - 10,000 lumens. But makes a huge difference. = Tim
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/photo04/light.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/photo04/lettuce.jpg)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v164/photo04/lettucelater.jpg)
Could I use a less powerful lamp but left on for longer? or do they need their dark moments?
I'm no expert on these matters, but yes & yes. And the distance from light to plant is important. Most plants need some 4 hours darkness.
growthtechnology.com have a lot of info, & many places like http://www.shamanshop.net/hydrolite.htm can add to that.
A light & moisture can be a help - it can show you how your artificial light compares with daylight.
Of course, I didn't ask what you were growing - assumed it was veg. Sorry that I broke your thread, because you're getting a lot of good stuff where you started. But, previously, all these things have been discussed under this head. = Tim
Andy - these are what I meant to send you. = Tim
Thanks, checking out the websites...
Just a thought on propagators for anyone buying.
Make sure you get - & keep - a guarantee. In the last 5 years I've had 2 thermo 'gators fail. The only one surviving is the 'Parasene' one.
And do treat yourself to a digital max/min thermo. = Tim
Quote from: tim on December 06, 2004, 16:23:40
Each to his own - I regard a 'gator as machinery!!
1. In my humble opinion, 32C is far too hot for anything. However, it depends where it is. If in a greenhouse, most units are pushed to hold 65F.
2. Lighting? A 'Gro-light' fluorescent will work but it's horses for courses. The more light the better - after germination. Did you see the lamp we bought? Can't afford more than extending daylight by 5 hours each end. Cost a bomb - 10,000 lumens. But makes a huge difference. = Tim
Tim
Can you give some more details on the light you use? I use a 3 foot fluorescent tube with a natural light tube as a home made solution but it is not ideal and would like to explore other options.
Jerry
Jerry - I'm NOT the expert - I fumble!! Mine is the 'Whitefire'.
So - first look at www.growthtechnology.com - or similar. Then decide what you want for what price. Then call Tim (yes!) on that site for tech help. He's very patient!! = Tim