Garden Propagators

A heated propagator is of great help to the gardener and if one is available it is possible to do without heat in the greenhouse. Warmed propagators can be used for germinating seeds, rooting cuttings, starting bulbs and tubers, bringing on tender plants and forcing strawberries.

A modern propagator will consist of a container such as a wooden or plastic seed tray or box with a clear plastic domed cover to keep in warmth and humidity. The simplest form of heating is a metal plate warmed by electricity on which the containers are placed.

There are also propagators which are heated by electric air or soil warming cables, an electric light bulb or paraffin. A thermostat will stop the temperature rising to baking point on warm sunny days.