Hello, we currently have heated propagators but no grow lights. The domestic units are quite limited in terms of size and controls. Have any of you bought professional propagation units? If so, what sort of sizes and prices are they?
I'm asking the question as a new company has been founded in our town, a company which aims to build affordable plant growth chambers ie propagators. They call them growth chambers as they intend them to be used to replicate accurate environmental conditions for plant growth trials. The units don't look too large for specialist 'domestic' use, they show two seed trays in the bottom. The units are taller than most domestic propagators. They will have built in LED lights so can be fully isolated from their environment with the door closed.
Anyhow, if you could design and build your ideal propagation unit what controls would you want, what temperature and humidity range would you need and what size would you need? What sort of price would you expect to pay?
I have no association with this company, I just got in touch with them yesterday after I saw them on Linkedin. They are building prototypes so its early days.
Propagation units
Propagation units
Hi,
I am not sure how useful this will be as you mentioned professional, but here goes...
I have been using Vitapod propagators for about 12 years now and I think they are great.
I bought the first version and I believe the units have been upgraded since I purchased. Mine didn't come with lights. At four feet long and 2ft wide they are probably a little on the small side for you. I have two and I fill them very quickly.
The link below should send you to the latest version which now has lights.
https://www.greenhousesensation.co.uk/u ... ights.html
Failing this you could search for Hydroponics as most of the suppliers also sell massive lights.
Hope this helps.
Jon
I am not sure how useful this will be as you mentioned professional, but here goes...
I have been using Vitapod propagators for about 12 years now and I think they are great.
I bought the first version and I believe the units have been upgraded since I purchased. Mine didn't come with lights. At four feet long and 2ft wide they are probably a little on the small side for you. I have two and I fill them very quickly.
The link below should send you to the latest version which now has lights.
https://www.greenhousesensation.co.uk/u ... ights.html
Failing this you could search for Hydroponics as most of the suppliers also sell massive lights.
Hope this helps.
Jon
Propagation units
Hi Jon, thanks for the reply. I have seen the props in the link you gave. I think they are aimed at growers such as us which is why I mentioned professional props. I didn't think the ones I had see, the ones in your link were particularly large. They seem to be wide and low or narrow and tall.
Its rural where we are so pitch black at night. We don't want to put grow lights in the tunnel as it would attract attention. Our tunnel can be seen from the next village as we are on a slope. We are thinking of putting something within our outbuilding, hence the interest in a heated cabinet with lights.
It remains to be seen what their definition of "affordable" is though.
Its rural where we are so pitch black at night. We don't want to put grow lights in the tunnel as it would attract attention. Our tunnel can be seen from the next village as we are on a slope. We are thinking of putting something within our outbuilding, hence the interest in a heated cabinet with lights.
It remains to be seen what their definition of "affordable" is though.
Propagation units
Hi,
Just one thing more about the Vitapods. You can buy extra layers as I have done. So, for example mine are 4ft long, but have three tiers. That's about 18" tall. If you want extra height then four tiers etc.
The only problem is that this adds to the cost quite a bit. I bought mine years ago and they were cheaper.
They are good though and I recommend them. The company aren't bad too. I received a cracked lid in my initial order and I received a new one by return post.
Good luck
Just one thing more about the Vitapods. You can buy extra layers as I have done. So, for example mine are 4ft long, but have three tiers. That's about 18" tall. If you want extra height then four tiers etc.
The only problem is that this adds to the cost quite a bit. I bought mine years ago and they were cheaper.
They are good though and I recommend them. The company aren't bad too. I received a cracked lid in my initial order and I received a new one by return post.
Good luck
Propagation units
For the propagation of the impossible I use a Dew Point Cabinet.
I bought mine when it was still a 'mark one'!
I have replaced bits and pieces over the years. Mine now has different lights, a new pump, a new thermostat and new timers. It does leak a bit so mine has its legs standing in pots that need emptying regularly or there is a puddle round it.
It has the advantage that once cuttings are 'set' they can be ignored for weeks at a time and don't die for several months which is usually long enough for even difficult things to root.
The next size up, in terms of area would be a mist unit, but they are a bit more labour intensive and not compatible with being in the house!
Chad
I bought mine when it was still a 'mark one'!
I have replaced bits and pieces over the years. Mine now has different lights, a new pump, a new thermostat and new timers. It does leak a bit so mine has its legs standing in pots that need emptying regularly or there is a puddle round it.
It has the advantage that once cuttings are 'set' they can be ignored for weeks at a time and don't die for several months which is usually long enough for even difficult things to root.
The next size up, in terms of area would be a mist unit, but they are a bit more labour intensive and not compatible with being in the house!
Chad
Propagation units
Thanks for the link Chad. The dew point cabinet looks interesting.
Hubby has already been looking at misting for our polytunnel, for the sand bed and plants on the staging.
Hubby has already been looking at misting for our polytunnel, for the sand bed and plants on the staging.