I bought a selection of vegetable seeds recently. I planted out the peas and the Brussels sprouts straight away, but it’s a little too early for the squashes and courgettes. Like tomatoes, these seeds need a bit of warmth to germinate; heated propagators would be very helpful in getting them off to a good start. We have a lean-to greenhouse, but it’s north facing, so doesn’t get sufficient heat or light until quite late in the growing year.

When it comes to propagators, to me, size matters. The peas that I sowed in my (unheated) propagator quickly outgrew it. The tips are already touching the lid, but the seedlings aren’t yet ready to plant on. #3 is extra tall – almost twice as high as the shortest one. It means that the roots and first true leaves have a longer period to develop before the upheaval of replanting.

1. Stewart heated propagator 38cm: £20.35, B&Q
   19.5cm (h) x 38cm (w) x 24.5cm (d)
2. Garland Super 7 electric windowsill propagator: £42.99, Robert Dyas
   15cm (h) x 76cm (w) x 18.5cm (d)
3. Extra large high dome electric propagator 24w: £49.99, Crocus
   26.5cm (h) 59cm (w) x 41cm (d)

shop heated propagators