[BoDuke]

Hi, I am new to grow your own and have been having some problems getting seeds to germinate. I have had some success, but cucumbers, poblano chillies, sweet peppers have all failed to germinate after over a month in propagator. It is not an electric propagator, just one of the covered seed trays. I have had toms, jalapeņos, onions, chard and minicole cabbage germinate ok in same conditions. Has anyone got any ideas please?  Should I purchase an electric propagator?

Thanks for reading.

[gremlin]

 cucumbers, poblano chillies, sweet peppers.

However you do it I think you need to get these up to a steady day and night temp of minimum 20 deg C, preferably nearer 25deg C. 

Coincidentally my airing cupboard is set to 25 deg C.....and its free !

The electric propagators only seem to "promise" 18 deg or so, other than the very expensive ones at sixty or seventy quid.  I don't have one

[mumofstig]

I agree they need consistent warmth to germinate, the other ones you've mentioned don't need as much heat for germination

[simonwatson]

All those seeds you mention need the warmest temps. If your propagator is on a windowsill then each night it will get so cold as to put them back to sleep. As others have said, a nice even 20 degrees plus will see them pop up in a week or two.

[BoDuke]

Thanks for the replies. Will try the airing cupboard. Will probably get some plants now and learn for next year.