[Kirpi]

I am in the market for a heated propagator and looking at the larger ones listed on eBay for around £30.00. Can anyone comment on these or recommend a better offer?

[Auntiemogs]

Not sure about the bigger ones but I bought a couple of Garland heated windowsill propagators (one with 7 trays and one with 3) and they've been excellent.  I don't use the trays much as I start things off in cells and they will take 3x20 cells or 12x6 cells and I just balance the lids on top.  Also good for chitting seeds (beans squash etc.) but I put cardboard under the containers so that the seeds don't 'cook'.  Because they're on the windowsill it means I don't have to panic too much about potting on.

[surbie100]

I got one with one long compartment. I now wish that I'd got one with separate and smaller compartments for different seeds as it's a proper pain to fiddle about with all the time.

Hopefully the birthday fairy will bring me one of those Garland doodads with compartments this year....

[mumofstig]

Not sure about the bigger ones but I bought a couple of Garland heated windowsill propagators (one with 7 trays and one with 3) and they've been excellent.  I don't use the trays much as I start things off in cells and they will take 3x20 cells or 12x6 cells and I just balance the lids on top.  Also good for chitting seeds (beans squash etc.) but I put cardboard under the containers so that the seeds don't 'cook'.  Because they're on the windowsill it means I don't have to panic too much about potting on.

that's the one!

I've had mine for 6 years now, good value I think 

[Willow_Warren]

I got a 3 tray garland one - seems to have done the trick this spring...

I start off my seeds in small pots rather than directly in the trays provided, but I found 6 of the small square 7cm pots from Wilkos fitted nicely into one of the trays provided and the lid fitted on the top.

I also found that a 3 tray one was enough for my needs, I just started off my chillis, peppers and tomatoes off in it using the heat.  Using pots has the advanatage that you can move the pots out once germinated and replace as necessary (although you can buy spare trays but quite costly).

I was luck as I picked one up in the sale at the end of last year for just £10.

Hannah

[Yorkie]

I tend to plant into full size seed trays (which have cells in them) so use a heated propagator which is that size.  Can't remember the brand but it wouldn't have been expensive.

It's been going for years now, wish I had a second one.

I've also got a windowsill propagator which takes two half seed trays, lengthways.  I find it slightly less versatile than the bigger one.

[wil4025]

I bought one of them really expensive greenhouse sensation ones and I love it. Worth every penny.

[Stree]

Heated cable and thermostat, bag or two of silver sand, basic wooden base and frame, something for a clear lid and you have a fantastic cheap heated propagator.

[mumofstig]

but that wouldn't fit on my window ledge   

[Stree]

Get a bigger windowledge.....Which comes first. being a gardener or being conventional?

[maxibo]

Not sure about the bigger ones but I bought a couple of Garland heated windowsill propagators (one with 7 trays and one with 3) and they've been excellent.  I don't use the trays much as I start things off in cells and they will take 3x20 cells or 12x6 cells and I just balance the lids on top.  Also good for chitting seeds (beans squash etc.) but I put cardboard under the containers so that the seeds don't 'cook'.  Because they're on the windowsill it means I don't have to panic too much about potting on.

Oh hello Auntie M, fancy meeting you here!  I was having an internet browse about heated propagators and ended up here again!  . I was looking at the very same garland propagator as you've got and thought why on earth would you want separate trays?  Looks a bit of a faff.  Now I realise its for different seeds/veg/flowers  doh!  It was at about 4am this morning though!  I shall be ordering one after the bank hols.