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 the advantages and disadvantages of electric or gas greenhouse heaters, and look at your options for propagating.

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 Nevada Electric Greenhouse Heater is the ultimate in energy efficiency and even heat distribution. This 3.0kW stainless steel heater is unique in that it recycles warm air from the top of the greenhouse and moves it to the base adding heat as required, saving up to 50% of energy costs.

As an alternative to both electric and gas, paraffin is a more traditional and basic option. The Parasene Paraffin Greenhouse Heater will protect your plants and help your seeds to grow and is ideal for small greenhouses. It is one of the simplest of greenhouse heaters which is inexpensive to buy, but for the serious greenhouse gardener we recommend the blue flame heaters which burn paraffin more economically.

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.