[mashauk]

I am just about to start some pepper seeds off in my propogator, first time I've used it.  The instructions say to either sew direct into compost which has been filled into the propogator base or to cover the bottom of the tray with horticultural or sharp sand and then put the seed tray on top.  I haven't got any sand, do you think it's OK to put the seed tray straight in without the layer of compost on the base, or should I get some sand or am I being a complete idiot - will the seed tray melt or something if I put it straight in?

Thanks.

[DD.]

It's not going to get that hot, or you would cook the seeds if you sowed into it directly.

I'm sure a bit of compost, then the seed tray would not come amiss.

[mashauk]

It's not going to get that hot, or you would cook the seeds if you sowed into it directly.

I'm sure a bit of compost, then the seed tray would not come amiss.

Thanks, I just didn't understand why I'd put compost in the base as well as in the seed trays!

[mashauk]

OH is insisting we put a layer of newspaper instead of compost on the base, then paper pots instead of a seed tray so we don't have to transplant, I suppose it makes sense (so long as he makes the pots, I can't work them out)

[Aunt Sally]

You need something there to absorb the excess water from watering your seed[ling]s. I dont think newspaper would be enough.  I use sand in mine about 2" deep.

[mashauk]

You need something there to absorb the excess water from watering your seed[ling]s. I dont think newspaper would be enough.  I use sand in mine about 2" deep.

Thanks, I haven't got any sand but will use compost (as per the instructions!), he hates it when I'm right He's sitting here as we speak making up paper pots, bless.

[Aunt Sally]

You need something there to absorb the excess water from watering your seed[ling]s. I dont think newspaper would be enough.  I use sand in mine about 2" deep.

Thanks, I haven't got any sand but will use compost (as per the instructions!), he hates it when I'm right He's sitting here as we speak making up paper pots, bless.

I'm going to make some of Richy's deep paper pots for my sweetcorn, runner beans and broad beans this year.  I'll put the sweetcorn in the propagator to get it started.

[mashauk]

Well I've started some paper pots with Red Marconi, Habanero and cauliflowers off today in the propagator, trouble is I could do with about another 3 of the things!  Luckily I have a couple of old fish tanks that I can use for unheated ones too, I have them on the flat roof which is a sun trap.

[Gwiz]

they tend to work better with a bit of sand in them, otherwise the heating cables can produce hotspots in the trays. The sand evenly distributes the heat. If you've already put some pots in, don't worry too much about it, you can put some sand in still.

[mashauk]

they tend to work better with a bit of sand in them, otherwise the heating cables can produce hotspots in the trays. The sand evenly distributes the heat. If you've already put some pots in, don't worry too much about it, you can put some sand in still.

Thanks.  The instructions said to put either compost or sand in the bottom, I didn't have any sand so I've put about an inch of compost in it, under the pots.

[lowermeadow]

I've used a heated propogator for the first time and have had good germination rates. The resulting seedlings are very leggy! Once the seeds have germinated, when should I move them off the heated propogator?

This is my 2nd year gardening so I'm still a newbie.

[Pescador]

Pretty much immediately.

[Kleftiwallah]

Good morning Aunt Sally
"I'm going to make some of Richy's deep paper pots for my sweetcorn, runner beans and broad beans this year.  I'll put the sweetcorn in the propagator to get it started".

I've had my sweetcorn in the propagator and up to now only one is showing its head!  (I hope they are all right down there).  Cheers,  Tony

[lowermeadow]

Many thanks, I will do that next time. I'm a little overrun by leggy seedlings!