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What is the correct way to use an electric propagator ?

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  • What is the correct way to use an electric propagator ?

    I was given a used Parasene electric propagator a couple of years ago, but it had no cover.

    Looking on the internet, I think it would have originally been supplied with two standard sized seed trays, with two plastic tops.

    Last year I placed a gravel tray in the green base and fitted the plastic cover on top and it seemed OK for my tomatoes. Now I have an allotment, I shall make more use out of it by starting off other plants too.

    I was wondering if I should maybe pour in some water, just a few mm deep, then place my gravel tray inside, followed by seed trays and pots, all under the one large plastic cover.

    Or ... Would I be better off just placing directly on the propagator base, two seed trays and then place two seed tray lids on top.

    Or ... Should I put in a layer of compost or maybe sand first, before adding trays.

    Thanks

  • #2
    I have a piece of capillary matting in the base of mine, I just place my pots on that and cover with a plastic lid.

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    • #3
      I've read that you ought to put gravel on the bottom slightly damp but I haven't got gravel so i used damp compost and find that the condensation from the lid keeps it moist anyway. I put my seed trays and pots on top of it, did this last year and doing the same this year. Hope all goes well

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Scarlet View Post
        I have a piece of capillary matting in the base of mine, I just place my pots on that and cover with a plastic lid.
        I do the same thing, I find the damp matting distributes the heat well.
        Location....East Midlands.

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        • #5
          Another vote for damp matting here.
          A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP. - Leonard Nimoy

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          • #6
            Damp matting too...
            I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives....


            ...utterly nutterly
            sigpic

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            • #7
              I have always used garden grit or sand.

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              • #8
                I use damp old towels, works well to distribute the heat and they're washable.

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                • #9
                  I just put my pots straight in there, works fine and less hassle than having to add any gravel, mat or additional soil. I only leave stuff in their briefly anyway until it germinates so no problems.

                  Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.

                  Which one are you and is it how you want to be?

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                  • #10
                    I use sharp sand in mine


                    Sent from my iPhone using Grow Your Own Forum
                    don't be afraid to innovate and try new things
                    remember.........only the dead fish go with the flow

                    Another certified member of the Nutters club

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Alison View Post
                      I just put my pots straight in there, works fine and less hassle than having to add any gravel, mat or additional soil. I only leave stuff in their briefly anyway until it germinates so no problems.
                      Actually, I have two props my "main" one which has the matting and a small window prop which I haven't got round to putting anything in the bottom but I have found that without the damp matting I get cold spots, anything that gets put in the centre will germinate first.

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                      • #12
                        I just put the pots straight in and put the lid on. everything usually germinates ok
                        All my projects including my brewing adventures!

                        www.make-your-own.info

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                        • #13
                          Thank you all for the many replies

                          I think damp towels will be easy ... I have no sand

                          Best wishes to everybody for the 2014 season

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                          • #14
                            Damp matting for me too

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Scarlet View Post
                              Actually, I have two props my "main" one which has the matting and a small window prop which I haven't got round to putting anything in the bottom but I have found that without the damp matting I get cold spots, anything that gets put in the centre will germinate first.
                              Interesting, not found that a problem in either of mine, one of which is large and the other small. Maybe it depends on where you have them, the room I use is quite warm as the boiler is in there as well as the freezer so even when the heating isn't on there is quite a bit of warmth.

                              Some of us live in the past, always talking about back then. Some of us live in the future, always planning what we are going to do. And, then there are those, who neither look behind or ahead, but just enjoy the moment of right now.

                              Which one are you and is it how you want to be?

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