Setting up a propagation bench in the GH

OK, so after reading Specs thread on heating cables I've suddenly realised I can't do without a heat bed to take dahlia cuttings and start of some seedlings. 

I hate DIY and the thought of buying in all the bits...so I've been researching - I've come across the HOTBOX Heatwave mats. It's a complete set up and probably a less fuss option for me.
You buy the heatmat the size of your requirements and they supply the thermostat.
You put it on your bench on top of a thick layer of polystyrene, plastic/pond liners? on top and then a layer of capillary matting. Plug it in and away to go.

I like the simplicity of it. I'm very much tempted even though I should be spending my pennies on a kitchen sink.

Hi Scarlet

Just curious, why would you go for a mat rather than a heated propagator?

Maybe a heated propagator of the size Scarlet wants would need a bank loan.
Sometimes, all you need is bottom heat, not an enclosed space!

Maybe a heated propagator of the size Scarlet wants would need  a bank loan.
Sometimes, all you need is bottom heat, not an enclosed space!

Fair enough the cost did cross my mind.

True - heated propagators are not cheap! I've just ordered a GeoPod, as I don't have anywhere that's both warm enough and light enough to raise chillies, tomatoes, etc, in the face of The Beast From The East. It's the cheapest I could find that has both a variable thermostat and lights, but still a big chunk of change.

Still, I figure it'll easily pay for itself over its lifetime, given how expensive chilli plants are (and the limited choice of varieties) in the garden centre!

Yes, size really.

I have a couple of basic heated propagators ( bought 20 years ago) but I want a large bench - hoping to fit the longest bench in the greenhouse which is 2.3metres, 60cm deep. I would like to bring on cuttings too.
The heatmat with thermostat is £200 for that size. I need a sheet of polystyrene and some plastic and then good to go.

I suppose I could justify cost with it will save me a fortune on buying in plants :tubers etc but it is a hobby too?

I suppose I could justify cost with it will save me a fortune on buying in plants :tubers etc but it is a hobby too?

That's pretty much what I do. I like to know that I'm making a profit on (most of) my food seed purchases, in terms of how much produce I get back, but I count the rest of my expenses as part of the hobby of gardening. After all, I could get away with spending next-to-nothing if I made the effort to comb Freecycle, build my own stuff, etc, but I just don't have time for that right now.

I have got a big garden and if I just bought in plants to fill it every year it would cost me a fair amount
Just trying to justify it as I ve just bought it
I've probably saved that on no coffee visits over this year?

That's how I justified buying the Hotbin.

I've saved a lot over the past twelve months by not travelling overseas - most of it has been ploughed into the garden renovations (pun intended!).