My heated propagator keeps getting too hot - it goes up to 27C with the vents open. It's on a windowsill, but is hot even when the heating's off. Five minutes after I turn the thing off, it's dropped to 17C even with the vents closed.
How can i get it to have a more consistent temperature? I'm worried that it may affect germination - my onions have already suffered - some cells only have one germinated out of five seeds.
Aqui I've never used a heated propagator, does it not come with a thermostat?
Jesse - no - that's the problem. It only has on and off. It says you can control the temperature with the vents, but it's not that simple. I put a thermometer in it so I can see what it does. Beginning to think i was conned! :-\
I think the seeds that need warmth to germinate will like it in there, even at 27C. Things like hot peppers, sweet peppers, tomatoes, melons etc. For these things I use one of those electric heating pads on the lowest setting with a newspaper on top under the propagator. works great (but that was not your question aqui, hehehe).
THat's encouraging Ina - thanks. I think I might have to take the onions out, as I'm sure it's too hot and leave the chilis in with it on constantly.
Maybe you should keep the vents open tho'.
Just a thought - if it's indoors, do you really need a propagator except, as Ina says, for the exotica? The thing is surely designed to give a 20F (or so) lift for a greenhouse?? = Tim
I had a similar problem and regretted not spending twice as much on one with a thermostat. My lovely other half very kindly did some electrical wizardry and now I plug it into a box with a dial on allowing me to set the temp that way. He says it is fairly simple to do if you have a rudimentary understanding of electrics. I dont! - but could get him to write it out if you are interested?
Aqui, look at the info on the seed packet and check the temperature needed for germination. Things needing heat to germinate such as tomatoes and chillis (plus many bedding plants) will germinate happily at higher temperatures so are fine in the propagator.
Others requiring less heat or even a cool germination temperature will be fine in an unheated propagator on the windowsill.
Sounds to me though your windowsill is possibly a bit too warm. Find a cooler spot with good light or if no alternative try shading the propagator with newspaper to keep things a bit cooler
Well I've semi solved the problem! I'm only going to use it for more exotic things. The chilis have been happily popping up since I've left it on constantly with the vents open. And I've moved it away from the radiator. It's a shame it can't go on the kitchen windowsill - but that's too narrow!
Tim - our flat is very cold during the day and night. We only have the heating on first thing in the morning and in the evening.
If you have a soil thermo, you could try leaving the top off in your warmer periods & just rely on bottom heat - the stuff they really need? = Tim