You can have success with seeds with heated propagators – but which one is best?
Heated propagators will ensure that your seeds have a constant steady temperature. This results in faster and even germination. 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. You also don’t need to worry about fatal drops in room temperature if the propagator has a thermostat. Heated propagators also allow you to extend the sowing season. They can be used to help cuttings strike, and you can utilise the mats to overwinter tender specimens. 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 the unheated greenhouse.
Super 7 Windowsill Electric Propagator. Pic credit: Howard Walker
Super 7 Windowsill Electric Propagator – Top Pick
This neat unit – the Super 7 Windowsill Electric Propagator – is my top pick. At 76 x 18.5 x 14.5cm, it is the perfect fit for most windowsills. It comes with the trays and lids that fit, and all you need is compost, labels and seed. With seven individual little units, you can sow several different seed varieties with no risk of contamination from disease. The vents at the top of each lid are easy to open, and as the units are so small, they are simple to wash up in a normal household sink. All seven trays fit into a 13 watt white tray, which is the source of heat. Simply plug into the electrics, and the compost will be warmed by around 8°C. You can’t adjust the temperature, but most popular seeds will germinate in these conditions, and the room temperature and sunshine will add to it. A good buy. Priced at £32.99 from www.crocus.co.uk
Fixed Temperature Propagator Base. Pic credit: Howard Walker
Fixed Temperature Propagator Base
The Fixed Temperature Propagator Base comes in two sizes – Maxi (41 x 76cm) and Mini (41 x 58.5cm). The Maxi model will fit three standard seed trays, and the Mini two (trays and lids are not included). This watertight base unit comes with 122cm of electric cable. It promises to give a lift of 12-14°C to the ambient temperature. Simply place your own seeds trays of seedlings or pots of cuttings onto the unit. As with all propagators, position it on a flat surface out of direct sunlight. If you place it in hot sun, your plants will suffer from too much heat. To be safe, use a residual circuit breaker with all propagators. The green and red lights on the front of the base indicate if the unit is on. The base can be wiped clean. For safe storage, keep your propagator in a shed or garage rather than in a greenhouse where water is used nearly all year. Maxi £56.95; Mini £39.95 from www.twowests.co.uk
BioGreen Warming Pad. Pic credit: Howard Walker
BioGreen Warming Pad
The BioGreen Warming Pad may be about as simple as it can get, but what a fantastic idea for those short of storage space. It’s a pad that is placed on a level bench and plugged into the electrics to heat up. If you are taking a few cuttings or sowing just a few seeds every year, then this pad might be just what you are looking for (it can be rolled up to store). The rubber mat is splash proof, so can be wiped clean, and pots that have drained after watering can be placed back on it. (As a rule, remove pots and trays to water them, then place back into the propagator once drained). A thermostat can be added to control the pad’s temperature, but without it the pad will lift the ambient temperature by 5-10°C. Available in three sizes – 25.4 x 35.5cm; 30.5 x 61cm; 40.6 x 63.5cm. Small £29.99; medium £39.99; large £49.99 from www.twowests.co.uk
Vitopod Propagator. Pic credit: Howard Walker
Vitopod Propagator
The Vitopod Propagator is far from a windowsill model. Available in two sizes, and with the option of buying a two-layer lid, it is ideal for the semi-professional or very serious gardener. The base is evenly heated and is easily controlled, allowing you to set a temperature of between 5°C and 30°C. The clear lid lets in the maximum amount of light and has generous vents, which are the keys to its success. And being UV protected, it won’t yellow. The thermostat is really easy to use and very clear – top marks for this. The standard model measures 50 x 50 x 24cm and is designed for two standard seed trays, and the large is 50 x 100 x 24cm and can accommodate five seed trays. For polytunnel or greenhouse gardeners, and for those who want to use taller pots for cuttings – this is for you. Standard model £139.95 from www.harrodhorticultural.com
Sahara Heating Mat. Pic credit: Howard Walker
Sahara Heating Mat
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 degrees Centigrade. 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. Priced at £77.95 from www.jungleseeds.co.uk
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