Raising annuals indoors From Bedding Plants Using a propagator or heated mat An electrically heated propagator is the most important item of your seed-raising equipment and it should incorporate an adjustable thermostat so that the temperature can be set accurately. Many models are available, from one-seed-tray size to larger models taking half a dozen trays or as many as 60 small pots. If you grow many plants and work on a large scale, you could build your own propagating frame on the greenhouse bench, using timber sides and base, soil-warming cables with a thermostat, plus a glass- or polythene-glazed lid. Although individual seeds vary in their requirements, a temperature of 65-70F (18-21C) suits most. For windowsill seed raising, long narrow propagators specially designed to fit on a sill are available. In addition to a heated model a couple of unheated propagators are also valuable to provide an intermediate stage between cosy conditions in the heated greenhouse propagator and the harsher world outside. In the greenhouse, intermediate conditions are also necessary and may be provided in a number of ways. The greenhouse itself can be heated slightly, part of the greenhouse can be partitioned off and only this area heated, or a larger frame within the greenhouse can be built and maintained at an intermediate temperature. In all these cases a growing temperature of 45F (7C) represents the best compromise between ideal growing conditions and energy conservation. A good alternative is to install a heated mat which keeps the roots of the plants at a relatively high temperature, about 60F (15C), and which allows the air temperature to be kept just frost-free. This will give a net saving in energy and also encourage short bushy growth. The advantages of a greenhouse Raising plants on a windowsill Choosing pots and trays Compost/Potting soil Seed sowing technique After sowing the seed Pricking out the seedlings Looking after seedlings Planting out   Raising annuals indoors Annual Manual ©copyright 1999 Graham Rice. All Rights Reserved. All Images Digitally Watermarked.