[teflon]

    How quickly should an  electric propagator heat up& how hot would it get?  I've got an old one that you just plug in(no light,switch or thermostat).I had it plugged in today for about 10-15 minutes but when i touched the inside bottom base i couldn't detect any increase in heat.
   Is it knackered or do they take a while to get going?
  Cheers

[Yorkie]

It can be quite a low heat, but I'd have thought you'd have noticed the prop. being on within 10-15 minutes

[mumofstig]

I've got same sort of basic thingy and it feels slightly warm within a few mins. Try puttin pot of compost on there for a few mins to see if bottom (pot bottom not yours HA HA) feels warmer (may trap the heat?)  if not i guess its busted

[DD.]

I know that my propagator's busted when the plaggy bag deflates & falls on top of the compost.

[Elcie]

I must admit that having seen some of the posts on here I am pleased not to have one.  Managed ok with windowsills and plastic bags (thanks DD) and didn't worry about the leggy seedlings lots with propogators ended up with.

What are you planning on growing in there at the moment?

[teflon]

I was hoping to use it for chilli plants&maybe some courgettes.

[DD.]

I have no objections to electric propagators per se, if used correctly. Sadly a lot of folk are of the mind set -"the warmer - the better - the quicker".

It just doesn't work like that!

Just off to blow up my plactic bags!

[DD.]

Courgettes will germinate quite nicely in a window sill, without the need for a propagator. (Mine in fact are in the unheated greehouse). Chillies on the other hand will benefit.

[peapod]

Courgettes will germinate quite nicely in a window sill, without the need for a propagator. (Mine in fact are in the unheated greehouse). Chillies on the other hand will benefit.

same here with courgettes, and chillies will benefit, as they do come through slightly quicker. But a pot and a placcy bag, or an ordinary propagator with a clear lid will acheive the same end result

[Kristen]

I bought a turn-on low-heat no thermostat or light windowsill propagator this year.  Have always done pots-in-bags before.

Very pleased with the results - early Toms, Cues, Peppers germinated well. I have quite a few "more challenging" perennials I'm growing too ... but I agree for run-of-the-mill things its overkill

[Carol]

I was given one as a Christmas pressie, and found it very useful, but only for a couple of months, really.  It's now in the loft until next year.
Carol.

[Eatyourgreens]

Being of the "careful" persuasion, I made my 3ft by 18in one from a 25 year old soil warming cable, some wood and polythene sheeting, with sand covering the cable. I put it on a timer so it ran 15 minutes on and 15 off.

Worked very well, given that I would have struggled to get the temperatures up here, it stayed between 18 and 20 c from Feb 1st till Apr 1st inside my unheated greenhouse. It gave my early Tomatoes and other stuff a good start in life, Then I put it away.

Would I have paid £100 for it? No.
Is it completely necessary to have one? No.
Will I use it next year? Yes.


Bob

[Kristen]

"Would I have paid £100 for it? No."

£30 of eBay - but I like your home-brew solution too!

[DD.]

£1 from Tesc*

Propagator

[compostqueen]

I got a new electric prop from Wilko for £14.99. I have two ancient ones which are still going strong, they barely warm up too but work well.  I use them without the lid too when just a gentle bottom heat is required. I don't have an airing cupboard so I find them really useful. They are well used, and if looked after, will last for donkeys years