propagation day/ night temperature

Hello


Seed propagation

I'm about to construct a control system for my propagator – which at the moment is just on or off.

I'll be using an Arduino (a microprocessor bit like the Raspberry Pi but simpler) to regulate the temperature and a fan.

However a possible extra is doable, prompted from two sourses. The first was looking at someone elses propagator project and the second the instructions on a packet of banana seeds states best results achieved if regulating the day/ night temperature – and gives the temperatures.

Using the Arduino regulating the day night temperature isnt a problem


This is a new one to me, the banana instructions give a temperature range but I was wondering about other seeds, will other seeds give better germination and what sort of overnight temp drop (range ?) would be good. Will seedlings respond to such a regime.


Does anyone already do this, have any info on this or thoughts on the subject.

 

Graham , I think the majority of us with heated props just leave them on. Mine is a simple ON/OFF prop , that will heat the seed trays to about 5°c above ambient temperature . Others will have the thermostatically controlled types of prop . I presume that a day-night temp difference would be a more natural germination cycle . Not sure if it makes a huge difference though. Probably best to Google this . Some USA university's have very detailed reports on germination , so detailed I don't understand them I think its Minnesota... not sure though.

 

Some seed of the South African bulbous plants appreciate a day/night temperature variation.