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Re: soil for propagation tray

Presco4875@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Hi Everyone  My husband is making me a propagation table in my greenhouse.  I
> am going to use heating cables.  I was going to cover the cables with sand
> then plastic and fill the tray up with vermiculite, perlite and peat moss.  Is
> this a good method or can someone suggest the way they do it.
> 
> Thanks
> Denise
> p.s.  I'm new to the list as I am sure you don't recognize the name.

Hi, Denise.  Welcome to the group!

I assume when you describe your new set up, "the tray" is a tray in
which all the electric(?) heating cables will lay, surrounded by the
sand, vermiculite, etc.

Actually, I provide bottom heat by simply setting my liners and small
trays directly on 1/4" rubber hoses running warm water (72F) from a tiny
water heater and a thermostatically controlled pump.

While surrounding your cables with sand...a nice, even sized, smooth
contractor's sand...might be a good way to protect them from bumps and
nicks, it will also provide an incubation medium for pathogens and
generally be a pain to maintain, IMHO. *S*  

Simpler is better, in most cases.  Try covering the cables with a
rubberized mesh like the ones available in restaurant supply houses to
drain dishes on.  It will act as a shock absorber to protect the
delicate electrical wire and connections but can be cleaned with 1:10
clorox bleach periodically to keep the propagation area nice and clean.

Good luck. Let us know what you finally decide upon!

Glen Seibert
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