"Safe" non mains heated propagaters

[Seahorse]

Do such things exist? I don't have outdoor electricity and it's not a job I think I could undertake myself, so for the moment at least, I think that's a non starter. I would really like to have a heated propagator in my greenhouse though. I've looked at some options with using parafin heaters (in fact Snadger and NtG's ideas are one of the top Google links for this kind of thing!) but I don't know if that would be safe for my kids to be around? I know I can *say* 'don't touch that!' but... I think the bottom line is I need something where none of the bits get too hot and that won't be easily knocked over.

Sorry to be such a numpty!

[Snadger]

Interesting question Seahorse!

Maybe you can design a heated propagator which uses a hotwire from a Ni-Cad battery?
If someone could sort out the logistics where you could use two batteries and always have one on charge at home, I would certainly be interested.

Failing that, hook a small generator up to a hamsters wheel and give him a bit more grub!
A windmill or a water wheel is also a theoretical option!

[Hans Mum]

a windmill would be a good choice for my OH he produces plenty

[JanieB]

Look at Snadger's thread on "Cost saving ways of heating greenhouse" (can't work out how to post a link). The one about steaming horse manure. Stick the propogator on top of the heap - voila! Heated propagator .

I'll get me coat!

[pigletwillie]

Do you need one?

I grow tons of plants, especially softies like tomato, chillie et al and have never used one. Everything germinates in the kitchen before being moved to the greenhouse.

I find that unless you can keep a really close eye on them, your plants end up leggy very quickly or are so soft due to the heat that they keel over in the real world. However some people swear by them, so each to their own.

[nick the grief]

How about one of these Seahorse?

Kays Discount Garden Supplies - N A Kays Horticulture - Para Prop by Wee Willie Winkie Heaters Model 1

[bramble]

Do you have a heated greenhouse Piglet W? What time of year do you move them into your greenhouse. I'm particularly interested in the timings of the peppers and tomatoes.

[Seahorse]

Interesting question Seahorse!

Maybe you can design a heated propagator which uses a hotwire from a Ni-Cad battery?
If someone could sort out the logistics where you could use two batteries and always have one on charge at home, I would certainly be interested.

Failing that, hook a small generator up to a hamsters wheel and give him a bit more grub!
A windmill or a water wheel is also a theoretical option!

I'm about to Google the Ni-Cad thing. One thing I did wonder about but didn't dare ask in case it was just too irredeemably stupid was wind up/clockwork technology. I know this can power radios and the like - is it unfeasible to power a propagator this way? I'm thinking it's the equivalent of a hand powered windmill? Though perhaps I'd have to wind it for 23 hours a day?!

Look at Snadger's thread on "Cost saving ways of heating greenhouse" (can't work out how to post a link). The one about steaming horse manure. Stick the propogator on top of the heap - voila! Heated propagator .

I'll get me coat!

No, don't get your coat! This is on my 'to do' list!

Do you need one?

Need? No, I guess not really. However, I'd like to have a go for myself and see how it works out!

How about one of these Seahorse?

Kays Discount Garden Supplies - N A Kays Horticulture - Para Prop by Wee Willie Winkie Heaters Model 1

Look good but wouldn't the burner get really hot?

Big thanks for everyone's input so far!

[nick the grief]

... Look good but wouldn't the burner get really hot?

No I've got one of this sort of heater that I use in the cold frame if it's really cold and the heater case is never hot, the metal gauze bit is mind you !

When I first got my little greenhouse I uses a single burner parafin lamp, a steel shelf ( upside down and filled with damp sand) and a some bricks that I uses to adjust the height of the heater to regulate the temerature. OK it's not as accurate as my electric propagator but it worked and I do think I've had such good results - might be the CO2 from the heat or might just be my fading memory

They do various sizes of these propagators as well, and don't forget it helps to keep your greenhouse warm as well

[Seahorse]

Mmm... I shall think on that then Nick! Thanks!

[Glasshousevirgin]

cant say my horse manure has steamed sufficiently to get anywhere warm enough to propagate yet.
Surely someone has come up with a solar powered heater of some sort ?

[Flummery]

Solar powered horse? Could catch on!

[rotorvator]

obviously depending on how much heat you need but if you just want to keep the chill out as it were in my potting shed / fake greenhouse (Clear Plasitc walls) is use a parafin power hurricane lame (remember those) they can be picked up cheap at car boot sales etc and as they are enclosed the only danger is it being knocked over but they can be hung up which solves this problem in most cases

[srodders]

I'm in the same postion as you seahorse. I'm considering an 18W solar panel, a couple of car batteries and an inverter to power some low wattage heated propagator. I've done the sums and I reckon it would work here. But we never get really low temps (as in minus) so you may need a higher wattage panel. All I need to do is find someone on the island that will sell the stuff - I don't fancy mail order solar panels in case they break.

[Seahorse]

Oh... I do wish I wasn't such a numpty laydeee Solar power, clockwork, batteries... there *has* to be an answer here, doesn't there!?

Time to put my big girl panties on and sort something out!!!