Heated Propagator - expensive to run?

Daisypic

I am wondering whether to purchase a Propagator but with the increase in electricity prices i am concerned at the cost. 

Does anyone know how much approx they cost to run per week/month, I understand it depends on the size of the unit, I am currently looking at the small Stewart Electric Propagator they are selling in Aldi. 

Thanks

Pete.8

I think that unit is rated at just 8 watts - so it would be about 5p/day

Daisypic

Pete.8 said:

I think that unit is rated at just 8 watts - so it would be about 5p/day

That’s great, thank you for your help. 

Nanny Beach

I bought one, found it useless,pots dried out so quickly. If you have room, save your money put the seeds in a warm window sill.

Pete.8

If you put a layer of sand in the bottom of the propagator and add a little water to just dampen it, it won't dry out.
It's what I've been doing for many years.

Buttercupdays

It depends how much difference it will make for you.

 I've never costed my large, ancient one but I am certain I have saved a small fortune over the years, growing plants I would have otherwise had to buy. Where I live is too cold and wet and windy to get plants started in time for a full summer of growth, even with a greenhouse and I've also enjoyed experimenting with new plants I would not otherwise have been able to grow.

A layer of damp sand in the bottom helps to maintain humidity, but you need to leave a vent open a little, to reduce the risk of mildew and damping off.

didyw

I have one which is basically a heated tray on which 7 individual trays with lids sit.  There is a large warning sign on it not to put water on the tray itself.  I used it last year for the first time and found that having that bit of bottom heat helped to propagate the seeds quickly.  I could open the vents on the covers to prevent damping off as soon as they germinated and I could remove the individual trays when the first true leaves formed.  This worked well for me and I'll be doing it again this year.  I use a small indoor watering can with a rose to keep the soil damp and found I had to do that every day, sometimes twice. 
Edited to add: I'm not sure how expensive it is to run.  It is v. low wattage so can't be much.  

AnniD

I think that when you consider the length of time you will be using it, it shouldn't make too much difference.
Bear in mind that the nights are drawing out at quite a rate now, so you will be switching on lights later. Maybe switch off a table lamp and make sure there are no lights burning in empty rooms (if you want to make it look as if someone is at home timers are really useful  ) That should counteract the running costs. 

Daisypic

Thank you all for your advice and top tips. 

Cutting Queen

didyw said:

I have one which is basically a heated tray on which 7 individual trays with lids sit.  There is a large warning sign on it not to put water on the tray itself.  

I think I bought the same one as you this year.  Its brilliant!  I have more seedlings germinate than before.  Wish I had bought one years ago.

Allotment Boy

A certain amount will depend on what temperature you want to run it at. The higher the more power it will use. That said things like Toms and peppers want about 21C to germinate but as soon as they do you can take it down to about 15. I  have a propagator and haven't really noticed an impact on my electricity bill.