[kosh42|EFG]

Hi,

After some advice on these...

Next year will be my first full growing season with the plot, and I am building up a mountain of seed packets in preparation. I know I'm likely to need a propagator to get things like chilli, tomatoes, aubergines, etc  to germinate with any sort of high success rate, but am unsure whether to get a cheap and cheerful, uncontrolled windowsill version or a full on, thermostatically controlled, Rolls Royce of a propagator?

The two I'm looking at are:
Cheap: http://bit.ly/pTgkI2
Expensive: http://bit.ly/pm0saQ

I'm thinking cheap will probably do, but by the time I add on another set of pots, etc it'll be about £40. Would hate to spend this only to ditch it in six months to buy an expensive one as it doesn't meet my needs.

Any opinions welcome!

Thanks,

Kosh

PS - Type of thing I want to grow can be found here: http://bit.ly/nEnswf

[mumofstig]

I'd stick with the cheapo version. That's exactly what I have and I grow chillis, toms, aubs, all the usual suspects
IMO you don't need another set of pots.
When the plants in the pots have germinated, then I prick them out into modules or bigger pots and are then in greenhouse or onto windowledge, the seed trays can then used for the next set of sowings
There's nothing to stop you raising seeds in any small pots you have laying about with a polybag over the top,standing on the base plate, and that's exactly how I start my cukes and squash in their own 3in pots

[compostqueen]

I suppose it depends on whether you're going to stick to your new hobby so choosing a cheapo one might be good to start with

I have three of the cheapo ones (which I love) and a dearer, bigger one which was gifted to me.  I used the little ones most as they're portable and I can put them anywhere I wish. They get dizzy sometimes  

I know some folk on here turn their noses up at them but I wouldn't swap mine for a sugar pig  

[kosh42|EFG]

Many thanks for the replies... I'd almost talked myself down from a rash, expensive purchase and this has finalised it for me... Cheaper one it is...

Cheers,

Kosh

[stompy]

I have 2 cheapo ones.

£9.99 each from Wilkinsons, had them for 5 years now and they fill my green house every year with chilli's, toms cucumbers and melons.

I saw them this summer and they're still £9.99.

They are around 18" long by 10" wide in the heated base and they are around 10" tall.

They are none ajustable apart from a top vent but always germinate my exotics.

I wouldn't pay any more as i don't think it's neccesary.

Just my opinion  

[DD.]

I've managed over 40 years of growing without a heated one, don't intend starting now!

[stompy]

Here's the one i have, although this one's from B&Q.

Exatly the same though.

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9906508

[kosh42|EFG]

Thanks again all... Looks like Wilko (including thier site) have stopped selling that one for the winter. The B&Q one looks good, but looks a bit wide for a window sill...

Cheers for all the input, though...

Kosh

[compostqueen]

Wilko is a good one and they may have them online or at the back of the shop. If you want one ring their head office and ask them to get one to your local store.  I did!     It's an Manton Wood, Worksop by the way 

[stompy]

Go on D.D. at that price your tempted aren't you 

[DD.]

Not at all, I don't have wires trailing all over the place!

[stompy]

    

[noshed]

I've got one of those Super 7 ones and it is all you need. Sometimes it's hard to prick stuff out quick enough in fact. I only got it for convenience though - I'm sure you can get good results on a sunny windowsill with a pot and a plastic bag. You just have to keep a close eye on them - and you need somewhere to put the seedlings once they've germinated...

[Spana]

I 'm another one with the cheapo sort, had it 20 years and use it all the time.  The little trays and covers are long gone so i use  pots with a plastic bag over the top.  You can get a lot more on the tray that way. 

[kosh42|EFG]

Super 7 is ordered... Many thanks for all of the advice...

Kosh