This propagator is made up of 4 individual seed trays, as well as a heated base. While it requires a little more space than other units I’ve recommended, measuring 39 x 25 x 16cm, it still fits easily on most average window sills. Each tray measures 8.5 x 15.5cm, while the height of the lid is 8cm. This allows seedlings to grow tall and develop strong roots before replanting. To allow adequate space for seedlings to establish, the best propagator will be around 15 – 20 cm in height . Ideally, you want to be looking for a propagator with a wattage of around 13 – 22 W . This will provide sufficient heat for seedlings without being too costly to run. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 10 – 15°C so the propagator needs enough power to maintain this. Given that propagation can be a little hit and miss, having space in this large 52 x 42.5 x 28cm unit for so many seeds is one way to help increase the chances of success! If you want to buy a heated propagator, the following information should help clear up any doubts or questions you may have: Choosing the Right Size

Whilst this propagator does heat well, unfortunately there is no thermostat or temperature control. However, it seems to work effectively without the need for any of these added features. In general, the temperature inside the propagator rises by around 8°C and maintains a consistent heat. This Garland propagator is thermostatically controlled and heated by a 50w heating unit. Each propagator is kept at a constant 19°C to ensure the best growing temperature for your seeds, seedlings and plants. The Sahara Heating Mat from BioGreen is a really useful piece of kit. It is ideal for those with a greenhouse bench to heat – it is probably the most cost-effective way of creating a temporary heated bench in a greenhouse. The 40 x 75cm mat was tested (the smallest model), but there are many different sizes available. The mat offers even heat distribution across a bench, and works best when placed on insulating material, such as polystyrene. It comes with a soil sensor and thermostat, and you can set the temperature up to 40°C. It’s perfect for overwintering tender specimens, germinating seeds and taking cuttings. The aluminium mat is spray waterproof, and can be rolled to store. My biggest criticism about this mat is that the instructions are so complicated. If you are overwintering or propagating plants in an unheated greenhouse, then this mat will allow you to just heat one area, which will be far cheaper. For the eco-conscious gardener, this unit is made from recycled plastic and is designed to be reused. It’s not the strongest plastic but will probably last a few years if you aren’t too hard on it. ProsPlease note that during particularly busy periods, it may take a little longer to receive your delivery and our carrier may attempt to deliver to you on a Saturday.

Internal water reservoir with capillary matting that takes water up to the plant so you don’t have to. The clear lid has two vents to open or close to control the temperature and humidity inside as your plants need. Chillies, peppers, sweet peas and many more need about 15°C to germinate. If your home is cold or you have an unheated greenhouse, then heated propagators will heat just the seed trays and you won’t face a bill for heating the whole room. 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.Yes, you can water seeds in a propagator but the aim is not to flood the seeds. It is advisable to soak the seed pots in a shallow tray to permit the compost to get wet. Once the compost is wet the seeds can get moisture from the compost without exposing the seeds to too much moisture or compromising the electrical components. Do I need a heated propagator? The green containers and their clear coversarebuilt from strong injection moulded plastic that makes them rigid and shatter-resistant. You control the interior temperature and humidity of each container by adjusting its individual vent at the top of the cover. Pros This compact electric propagator is an ideal plant and flower nursery solution for your windowsill. It features seven mini propagators which allow you to grow a wide variety of different plants in just one unit for great convenience. The non-thermostatically controlled 13-watt carbon fibre heated base unit provides the ideal conditions for growth by evenly distributing heat and raising the ambient compost temperature by up to 8°C. A great way to ensure perfect light conditions for successful propagation while protecting your seedlings from draught and cold. Features and Benefits Height extensions have their own side vents for further control of the interior climate as your plants get bigger and taller.

This depends on the plants you are trying to grow and the region that you are in. Some seeds require certain temperatures to germinate. Given the cold British weather, a heated propagator would be of service to you all year-round and can speed up the amount of time it takes for seeds to germinate and also the success rate. For example, peppers often germinate at a much faster rate in a heated propagator.

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In this trial, I have compared simple heat mats that come with no trays or lids, trays that also come with nothing else, and complete windowsill kits. Some are not suitable for the home, but only practical for an unheated greenhouse.

You can override this by opening the vent on top of each propagator to change its interior temperature and to affect the humidity. Effectively, each propagator can have its own environment to suit whatever variety of seeds you are growing. Some larger seeds in mid winter, Ricinus communis ‘Carmenchita’ and different cultivars of Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) I put into square 5cm pots instead of the trays and it worked just fine, fitting nicely. Single temperature propagator maintains the temperature at a constant 19°C for an optimal environment for your seedlings. Not to be mistaken for the Garland Super7 Heated Propagator we reviewed previously, this Super 7 Self-watering Propagator is for those who would rather automatically provide water than heat to their germinating seeds and subsequent seedlings. This is an unheated propagator so do make sure that your windowsill or wherever you place it is warm enough to encourage the seeds to start growing. Heated base unit– Raises compost temperature by around 8°C and evenly distributes the heat for better growth.To give an idea of size: there are units that are small enough to fit onto windowsills, whilst others will need to be placed on a table/worktop/greenhouse shelf. From its title above, this EarlyGrow propagator has a tray that’s 60cm by 37.5cm. That’s a significant growing space for starting your seeds out. The tray is made from heavy-duty plastic that’s strong enough to carry pots of fully grown plants without bending or becoming wonky. The clear lid is also made of strong plastic that won’t become brittle if you use grow lights above it. Two vents in the lid let you change the temperature and humidity inside the unit by letting air in. For example, in the above list, there are some seven-cell propagators, which would make it possible to plant around 21 seeds (if you planted three seeds in each cell). However, the good thing with individual-cell propagators like this is that you can have better control over the temperature in each cell.