propagator recommendation

Can anyone recommend a good propagator, I want to start seeds off early this year for summer bedding, I have a greenhouse in which i have a small heater in but its uninsulated so only have to set frost proof setting.
I have a large garden so need a fair few plants. I usually buy plugs in March/April but thought i would try and save a few quid.
I have a large garden so need a fair few plants. I usually buy plugs in March/April but thought i would try and save a few quid.
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If you start them too early you will get weak leggy seedlings. There’s not enough light earlier in the season.
I sow hundreds of seeds for my garden, including enough plants for 25 baskets and 53 tubs, never used a propagator.
As said above, at this time of year sunlight isn't strong enough.
I don't sow anything before early/mid March, so by the time they're up, sunlight is good enough to grow them on without becoming leggy
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
https://www.suttons.co.uk/Basket/Product+Detail/Geopod+Large+With+Lights+And+Thermostat+_594935.htm
What seeds are they?
I've tried sowing tomatoes and the like in Jan and Feb in a heated propagator. The warmth makes them grow quickly, but there's not enough energy coming from the sun, so by March they're about 18" with 3 sets of leaves and a stem with the thickness of a toothpick - completely useless.
Last year I sowed 7 varieties on 10th March in the propagator - they plants grew sturdily and were planted in the g/house border and I picked the first (sungold) on 29th June and had a very good harvest
Here's another option
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
Even sowing later as I do, a sharp frost in April/May causes anxiety but I whip out my handy 8ft tubular heater and mount it just under the staging until frosts are gone
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I'm planning on Begonia's and chills first followed by other bedding, toms and herbs.
Ive got a fan heater but a tube heater is a good idea might get one of those as well.
BB
Hope you can manage to see the seed, they're like particles of dust.
The chili also benefit from an early sowing - and if you can provide decent light as well as warmth then you should be ok.
I always put 1-2" of sand in the bottom of my propagator. It really helps stabilize the heat and saves a few bob on the 'leccy too, just don't get it too wet as it increases humidity too much, fresh air is important
I've also found a heated mat to be very useful for when plants are too big to be in the propagator but could still benefit from some warmth -
https://www.twowests.co.uk/orchid-staging-heated-tray It's not easy to see in the photos, but it's aluminium with a heated cable and very sturdy. They also sell a plastic tray which is a perfect fit on top. I fill mine with 1-2" sand, add a thermostat poked into the sand and I've got another propagator. For a perfect fitting top, I use one of these
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
https://www.greenhousesensation.co.uk/heated-electric-propagator-with-propagation-lights.html/
Wouldn't be without it. In fact I have two which I setup in my garage and use a timer to turn the T5 lamps on and off to give 16 hours of light at the start of the season.
I can thoroughly recommend them
'The power of accurate observation .... is commonly called cynicism by those that have not got it.
George Bernard Shaw'