Growing seeds without a greenhouse or "heated" propagator?

It was PeterS

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/sowing-seeds.48961/#post-632420

 

Thank you, clue Clever PeterS reiterating his method today! I'll investigate the LED panels.

I bought two "72 plug" propagators from B&Q today, so I think those will be much more useful that what I currently had.

 

Clueless is right (as usual) but there is a big difference in price of an LED unit as opposed to the 'traditional' tube light. Unless Clueless kindly offers his, you cannot buy an LED unit for a tenner ("Go Compare!")
Also, no photo today as I have not been home for most of the day (still not at home - will get there about 1am!) Will do this asap.

Mum - that's a great buy from the Borg - what a shame they don't have taller/deeper lids....I might pop along and get a couple....

 

When I first started growing plants I just germinated them in the airing cupboard, but this was mainly tropical stuff.
Most will germinate in the window sill.

I just think everyone wants to grow things far too early these days.
Ok if your set up for it, but I still think you can grow most plants without too much trouble on a window sill until they can go out to the unheated greenhouse in mid April.

You just need to wait about 6 weeks.

 

I agree with Pete. Its easy to germinate seeds at this time of year with the aid of a bit of heat and moisture.

But then what do you do? Its too early to put them outside, so they must hang about in the house with too much central heating and too little light - getting leggy.

Having said that they will grow OK on a sunny windowsill (if you keep turning them), but any further away from the light is no good - and windowsill space is pretty limited for most people.

 

Does anyone remember the Geoff Hamilton window sill box?

It was just a cardboard box with the front cut out, the inside was then covered with foil.
Idea being the foil reflected the light back onto the seedlings from the room side.

I once read that when a plant get light from one side the cells on the dark side grow faster in order to turn the foliage to the light, if you then turn the plant, they grow faster on the other side.
Result, leggy straight plants rather than leggy bent plants.

 

I think it's safe to say most of us here are serious or committed gardeners. We wouldn't think too much about spending £10 on a bit of kit and so I think a light tube shouldn't be an alien concept when it's helping to get a head start on the forthcoming Spring season.

 

I'm sceptical about this £10 light setup. I and others did much research into grow light arrangements. I'm a proper cheapskate but also willing to try new stuff so if there'd been a light for a tenner that I thought might work, I'd definitely be interested in seeing it, and seeing its spec.

 

Okay! How about I do a diary of one - just for you?

 

Could you not just show us a similar light so we can look at the spec?

 

Yes. Just a mo'

Will this do? 3 year guarantee double light for a measly tenner....

 

That's a very good price Kevin - where was that. Perhaps the largest cost with any plant lights is the capital cost of buying the kit. I seem to remember my 3 foot lights from Homebase were more like £40 - and then a replacement tube is the best part of £10.

I agree - and feel a bit guilty having said above that people start seeds too early - as I am just about to start some off myself. However I think we should differentiate between special seeds that need an early start and where we will give them TLC, and ordinary garden seeds.

 

This light was from Lidl - but you can get 4 foot tubes inc fitment for £10 from Wilkinsons. A Good Do! (But the light temp of the tube from Wilki's is not stated....)

 

Thanks Fat Boy - I will keep my eyes open. But I am running out of space and no one sells that cheaply.

 

In that case, go upwards! (Vertical gardening.)