Propagation Advice

We’re entering the colder months and for many greenhouse owners it is time to think about protecting plants from the frost and maintaining a consistent temperature for plant growth. Here we explore some of the questions to ask before investing in a greenhouse heater, including the advantages and disadvantages of electric or gas greenhouse heaters, greenhouse size, and your options for propagating.

Electric or Gas?

What size is your greenhouse? 

A good way to compare greenhouse heaters is by what size they cater to. Here is our range in order of greenhouse sizes they will heat as recommended by the manufacturers:

24 sq.ft. (frost protect only): Bio Green Frost Buster 300w

48 sq.ft. (frost protect only): Bio Green Frost Buster 800w

55 sq.ft.: Proheater 1.5Kw

60 sq.ft.: Blackforest 2Kw, Arkansas 2Kw, Montana 2Kw, Levant 1.8Kw, Indiana

100 sq.ft.: Phoenix 2.8Kw, Elite 2.8Kw, Blackforest 3.5Kw

120 sq.ft.: Proheater 3Kw, Shilton 2.8Kw

350 sq.ft.: Prohester 6Kw

Recommended Products:

For the environment and cost conscious, the Black Forest Propane Gas Heater is designed to bring you maximum benefit. The built-in energy-saving package, with catalytic burner and thermostatic control make these heaters particularly economical and environmentally friendly.

In the electric range, Bio Green Indiana 2.0Kw Electric Greenhouse Heater is the ultimate in energy efficiency and even heat distribution. Vents in the top of the heater draw in the warm air from near the roof of your greenhouse, re-heat it and then expel the hot air through the two outlet tubes at the base. This ensures very effective heat distribution so that various diseases that develop, can be avoided. 

Propagation

Propagating your own plants can be very rewarding and also money-saving. Watching your plants grow and flourish will give you great pleasure and enjoyment, especially when you are able to see your seeds or cuttings turn into beautiful blooms ready for next year.

Most plants will germinate at around 18º – 20º C (64º - 68º F) but some require higher temperatures of up to 25º C. To ensure a constant temperature to help proper development, most gardeners use propagators. But with so many different sorts on the market it can be difficult to decipher which will suit your requirements. Below are the main areas of propagating equipment you might select to help grow your plants:

Propagators

From the Jumbo Propagator, aimed at serious enthusiasts, to the range of Windowsill Propagators ideal for the early start of seedling and cutting growth, there are a number of differently sized and priced propagators to choose from. The Digital Propagator is a unique self-watering propagator and is supplied with a digital thermostat for ultimate control.

Heat mats

Heat mats can be used for propagation or localised heat and are designed for maximum flexibility for busy gardeners. A plug-in unit that rolls up easily when not in use, heat mats are ideal for raising soil temperature around roots by about 5 – 10º C and can be used with a basic propagator or with seed trays.

Soil warming cables

Build your own propagator or use as under soil heating in your greenhouse, very economical for large areas. Soil warming cables are mains operated, fully insulated, safe and easy to use.

Plant lamps

Why not give your plants the best possible growing conditions by providing them with the full spectrum of light all year round even in the darkest days of winter! Also uses energy efficient bulbs to help save money and energy.