Garland Extra Large High Dome Propagator

Product Information

An electric propagator is very simple to use. Once you have planted your seeds in the trays or pots and watered them, simply put them into the propagator and turn it on. Most standard propagators either come with on large seed tray, or one larger tray and a few separate smaller trays. These may be contained under the same roof, or in individual ‘cells’. Thanks to the seven separate cells, you can plant different types of seeds in each one if you wish, and each cell has its own vent to control the temperature according to the different plant. Obviously, the germination time is entirely dependent on the plant or vegetable variety, but it’s just a good example that the EarlyGrow is very capable of generating the right conditions for seed germination – which is of course the most important factor here. Looks like peas will be on the menu soon! The 28 cm height provides enough room for seedling to fully establish before needing to be moved on

A propagator is like a mini greenhouse and is more than adequate for most small scale growing needs. If you need to get your seeds started early than a heated propagator might be the answer. 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. Also, vegetables such as kale, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli and onion seeds would benefit from an early start. Some popular flowering plants such as dahlias, sweet peas, begonias and petunias are usually started off in early January too. 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. Also, the cells can be prone to a condensation build up, even when the vents are open. I suppose though this is just what happens when you mildly heat something and contain it! Over time I’ve learnt that by switching the unit off and giving the cells a bit of breather everything clears up nicely. 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.In terms of performance, this propagator can be used to grow a wide variety of seeds. It comes with a 13W carbon fibre element that provides an even heat distribution, raising the temperature by around 8°C. Having said that, it’s still best installed on a sunny windowsill if you’re growing plants that prefer a lot of warmth.

Most seeds germinate more effectively with some base heat. However, a heated propagator is particularly useful for plants that are usually grown in warmer climates as these generally need warmer temperatures to germinate. I love my new propagator! It was easy to assemble, holds lots of plants and the temperature probe is really useful. I bought two heights of sides and this is super as I am not restricted by size of cuttings. There are a number of versions available, varying from simple windowsill propagators to electrically heated models to thermostatically controlled varieties. Other considerations include watering and ventilating. Ideally you will want the internal atmosphere of your propagator to be warm and humid, without too much disturbance. 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. This means less time spent watering and more time for the propagator to stay closed and undisturbed. Also, you will want to control the amount of air that circulates within the unit to ensure there is no loss of young seedlings due to damping off. Tomatoes are very susceptible to damping off, which is generally caused by a combination of cool air and moisture. Separate side extensions are available for increasing the height of your unit, up to 4ft if required.As the days grow shorter and darkness descends earlier, explore a stunning selection of LED garden lights & solar-powered lanterns, designed to enhance the beauty of your garden even after sunset. Shop Outdoor Lighting >

The devices work by giving seedlings or cuttings a boost in temperature, helping development. Once the plant is ready, it can be added to the garden with a better chance of growing healthily. 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. 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. Measuring just 18.5cm wide, this propagator easily fits onto the average window ledge. The 76cm length means you can still fit ample seeds into this unit. The roof is high enough to allow seedlings to grow around 5cm, and the trays are also sufficiently deep to offer enough space for roots to fully develop. As a result, when it comes to planting seedlings out, they are already well established.My testing took place in early January (just to give a bit of seasonal context) and within 3 days the peas had started to germinate. After a week they were really going for it, and it was time to remove the lid of the cell. The giant peppers took 8 days to pop their heads through, and after two weeks we were even able to see a few strawberry stems shooting up! 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.

First, you will need to know how much your energy provider charges per kilowatt-hour. Let’s say they charge 14p per kWh (a relatively standard rate in the UK). Electric propagators can range in wattage, and the size of the propagator will also affect how much power you need. The wattage determines the cost of running it.

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. Discover the perfect slow cooker to elevate your autumn culinary adventures today! Shop Slow Cookers > A heated propagator creates an environment that’s just a few degrees above air temperature, forming conditions that help many seeds to germinate. The best part is that they cost just a few pence a day to run.