{"id":4342,"date":"2021-11-29T15:44:09","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T14:44:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/?p=64388"},"modified":"2021-11-29T15:52:13","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T14:52:13","slug":"best-heated-propagators","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/best-heated-propagators\/","title":{"rendered":"Best heated propagators"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Daniel Griffiths\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 29 November 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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If we were all to rely on the variable and often unpredictable nature of the British climate 100% then it\u2019s safe to say that our output of plants, flowers, crops and fruit would be rather different to the luxurious levels we enjoy today.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get us wrong. The UK\u2019s weather system has its perks. We\u2019ve plenty of rain, winters that may appear harsh (but in reality are anything but in the global scheme of things) and summers that come close to scorching but never go truly go wildfire. But, as tastes and wants grow ever more demanding UK growers have, over the years, had to pull a few tricks on mother nature to best deliver the goods.<\/p>\n

With the right equipment, care, and attention we can start growing seasons early, prolong summers, bolster daylight hours and stave off winter chills that would otherwise stop our more ambitious efforts in their tracks.<\/p>\n

Planting indoors in a propagator gives delicate planting all the help it needs to get started, while the grim outdoors would be the kiss of death.<\/p>\n

So what are our options?<\/p>\n

How to choose a propagator<\/h1>\n

Heated or non heated<\/h3>\n
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A propagator can be as simple as a basic clear plastic lid over a basic plastic tray. In a cosy, bright spot in the home the clear cover will let light through and provide a micro-climate that\u2019s sufficiently buffered from the changes in your room temperature (and certainly a lot warmer than outdoors).<\/p>\n

A heated propagator goes one further by providing warmth and light as the heat boosts the rate of root growth so your planting will be more able and ready to fend for itself when the right time comes to move outdoors. Heated options do \u2013 of course \u2013 cost more than the more utilitarian non-heated options and will of course need a source of power, so if your ideal bright spot is miles away from a socket you may have to rethink your options.<\/p>\n

Large or small<\/h3>\n
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Of course, this all depends on what you\u2019re growing and the size of the space you\u2019ve set aside. Ambitious grows such as lettuces or even tomatoes will need a larger, taller unit to house their early growth spurt, while a simple mixed crop of herbs will be an altogether shorter, more lateral affair. Worth saying that small plants benefit from smaller, more confined and consistent spaces, so lots of tiny plants in a one giant propagator will feel less benefit than the same crop spread across lots of cosy smaller ones.<\/p>\n

Optional extras<\/h3>\n
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You get what you pay for and if you\u2019re looking for maximum convenience and performance there\u2019s an option for that. Go for a propagator with flood lighting and you can create a perpetual even glow. Or get a self-watering option so that you can either rest easy knowing your creations are getting the right level of moisture, or you can leave totally unattended and just return when the fun bit is over.<\/p>\n

Simple basic necessities include air vents that allow you some degree of control over the internal temperature (allowing condensation to dissipate) and easy hydration options so you can water your new plants without any fiddly lid lifting or dismantling.<\/p>\n

Suttons Super 7 Electric Propagator<\/h2>\n
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