Size - Make sure the dimensions of the propagator are right for your needs. If you’re planning to grow on tender plants you’ll need a bigger propagator than if you're germinating seedlings.

Stewart Premium Propagator with Variable Temperature 52cm Stewart Premium Propagator with Variable Temperature

Looking for a premium solution to sprouting vegetable seeds or cuttings every time? This electrical heated propagator provides the optimum conditions for growing your crops. It has a variable temperature control which can be set between 12ºC and 28ºC. Temperature is measured using the soil probe, which measures the soil temperature. It has humidity control panels in the lid and a durable base tray suitable for direct planting or seed trays. Space - Unless you have a greenhouse with a power source, most of us will use a heated propagator at home. Position it on a flat surface; a windowsill out of direct sunlight is a good spot, but make sure the dimensions of your chosen propagator are a good fit. With seven individually-vented cells and a reasonable price tag, this Garland Super7 Electric Heated Windowsill Propagator offers good value for money. Despite having seven cells, it has a compact design enabling you to grow germinate multiple seed varieties in one go. Very handy! Large, one-cell units that measure around 52 x 45 cm can be used to try to germinate around 140 seeds. They’re often big enough to fit 2 x 24-pot seed trays, and if you get 3 seeds in each pot, this can mean the potential to plant 144 seeds. Measuring just 76 x 18.4 x 15.2cm, this propagator fits most average windowsills. Each tray comes with a transparent lid so you can easily monitor the progress of your seedlings, while the air flow and temperature can be controlled using the red vents on each lid.

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Although simple to use, there are no controls and the heat is only increased by 8°C - so this propagator still needs to be kept inside on a warm windowsill

Stewart 2598005 Thermostatic Control Electric Propagator, 52

Note: Do not place the progatator where the base or wiring could become wet - This product is not intended for outdoor use (Greenhouses are suitable). If there are separate trays, or there’s enough space to use your own pots, you can have a lot more flexibility on using different compost types and planting different seeds. For example, the Garland Super 7 Propagator is one of the best heated electric propagators for catering to different seeds; it has seven different pods and each one has its own ventilation. These type of set up allows you to keep some seeds cooler than others, all whilst using the same propagator. An alternative solution to providing seedlings and plants with some bottom warmth, heat mats provide the ideal warmth for a range of seeds, such as tomatoes, parsley, basil, cabbages and onions. Simply lay it out flat on a dry, even surface underneath a tray of seedlings or pots.

The number of compartments will allow you to grow several types of different types of seeds; you can adjust the soil type and environment to suit the individual seed. This tray heats very evenly, but unfortunately there is no thermostatic control. Taking the temperature readings and opening the vents, or even turning the unit off for a brief time, is the only way to control the heat. However, most users find this level of control more than enough for most seedlings, and appreciate its ease of use. Write: DIY Garden (Harris Creative Ltd), Lytchett House, 13 Freeland Park, Wareham Road, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6FA Extra features on this propagator are very limited. There is no thermostat and no timer, although a timer can be separately hooked up. Many users found that it got too hot for some seedlings, so I’d recommend keeping an eye on things for the first few days. Note: Do not place the propagator where the base or wiring could become wet - This product is not intended for outdoor use (Greenhouses are suitable).