Germination Issues?

What are you trying to germinate? Unless it's peppers/chillies/tomatoes/cucumbers etc. or anything that likes it hot, most things germinate OK at room temperature. I think a windowsill propagator like that would cook plants on a sunny day. I germinate lots of stuff on windowsills but generally uncovered unless it's seeds sown on the surface.

As far as watering goes, after I've filled the modules/pots with compost, I water very well before sowing then don't water again unless the surface is getting very dry.

Erm, peppers/chillies/tomatoes

It may just be me and the location, I'm not sure I've used the heated one since we've been in this house.

Just had a thought, I may just try it unplugged

Have you got a thermometer you can monitor the temperature with?

Have you got a thermometer you can monitor the temperature with?

I've just laid one across 6 of the lids

You need to put the thermometer inside the lids not on top as that's room temperature!

You need to put the thermometer inside the lids not on top as that's room temperature!

Ok well that's the best I can do given it's 4 times the size

TBH my main query was around watering, am I right in saying the consensus was water initially and that's it until they have germinated?

If your thermometer is thin enough, open one the vent and stick the thermometer into the compost you only need it in for a minute or so to get the temperature. As for watering, I sow the seeds then sit the tray or pot into a basin of water to let it soak up the water, another way to check the moisture in the compost is to press a bit of newspaper onto the surface and if its dry sit the tray or pot into water again

TBH my main query was around watering, am I right in saying the consensus was water initially and that's it until they have germinated?

That's what I prefer, though I do water a bit if the surface of the compost is getting dry.

I have one similar to that Danny. For toms, chillies etc I leave switched on. And on a window sill in a warm room. As others have said compost damp but not sodden. I wouldn't let it dry out, sometimes I just tip any condensation back onto the surface. Tomatoes usually come up quite quickly for me, chillies a lot slower. How long have they been in there?

Just seen this article about heat mats - it may help you with your questions, Danny.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...V-uU0VR8aM