Garland Extra Large High Dome Propagator

Product Information

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. 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). Overall, this is one of the best heated electric propagators if you’re after value for money and it fits well into smaller spaces! And if you're growing in a greenhouse, our 11 useful greenhouse accessories article will be worth a look. 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.

The lid has an adjustable vent which lets you have control over the humidity levels in the propagator depending on what you’re growing. Plant propagators are a gardener's best friend, and are used to give your plants, fruits and vegetables the best possible start in life. Simply plug in and use, this heated propagator produces a steady temperature ranging from 16°C - 21°C (60°F-82°F). Whether you're simmering savoury stews, cooking up soul-warming soups, or preparing tender roasts, our range of slow cookers will make your autumn evenings unforgettable.Once you have planted your seeds in the trays or pots and watered them, simply put them into the propagator and turn it on. In this heated electric propagator review, I thoroughly compared design, performance, features and value for money for multiple products. Some popular flowering plants such as dahlias, sweet peas, begonias and petunias are usually started off in early January too. Depending on where you have a power outlet, either in the house or greenhouse, you may have to use an extension cable. 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.

Non-electric propagators are a lot cheaper than a heated propagator, but without the extra, regulated warmth and bottom heat that you get in a heated propagator, growth will be slower and less consistent. Some smaller units have individual ‘cells’ for each pot so you don’t have as much free range with how many different seeds you can plant at a time. The idea of adding a propagator to your house might seem daunting – doesn’t it cost a lot of money to have a heat source on for a long time?

Thanks to their bottom heat and high humidity, heated propagators can also be instrumental in helping cuttings to take root. Because of our cooler temperatures, plants like tomatoes, chilli and bell peppers and squashes need a long growing season so that they have time to grow, produce fruit and for the fruit to ripen. Tomatoes are very susceptible to damping off, which is generally caused by a combination of cool air and moisture. This unit consists of a heated tray with a ventilated plastic lid – you supply your own trays/pots, but it can fit 2 x 24-pot plant trays, so that gives you a good idea of its size in practical terms.

The thermostat sensor probe maintains a stable temperature between 20°C - 42°C (68°F-107°F), and features a digital keypad, which is easy to operate.

If the propagator is to be situated on greenhouse staging or placed on a sunny windowsill, for example, then a heater might not be required. 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. If you want to ensure a high yield of germinated seedlings, this 22W Stewart P035B Electric Propagator allows you to plant up to 144 seeds at a time, which can result in germinating at least 50 plants in one ‘round’. It comes with a 13W carbon fibre element that provides an even heat distribution, raising the temperature by around 8°C. A heated propagator will increase the internal soil or compost temperature by up to 16-19 degrees, which is ideal for germinating seeds such as tomatoes and peppers in January.

Although this propagator doesn’t have a timer or thermostat, the growing conditions can be controlled to an extent using the air vents. A capillary mat will hold quite a lot of water, which will be drawn up into the pots and trays and help to keep the air moist. If excessive condensation forms on the inside of the lid, open the ventilating holes to regulate the temperature a little. This propagator is certainly very effective, prompting seeds to germinate often in a matter of days, or maybe a week at most. The vent is a useful feature, which helps control humidity levels, and though its footprint is small, its clearance is 12cm, which is plenty of room for young plants to get started.Having a propagator with separate ‘cells’ will mean you can choose to ventilate certain cells and not others which allows you to adjust the environment to the individual seed. Propagators are generally made from strong, rigid, shatter-proof plastic and come in a range of sizes. The individual bays allow you to grow multiple seeds or cuttings simultaneously without fear of confusion. Plus, if you get a propagator with a thermostat, it will regulate the temperature and save energy by turning off when it reaches a certain temperature. Until we get there though there’s a heated mat which works at 15C above the ambient temperature to help plant germination and growth.