DIY Propagators

Germination Techniques

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Knnn
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DIY Propagators

Post by Knnn » Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:43 pm

Found an article from The University of Tennessee dealing with constructing incubators from used refrigerators.
These also make an ideal environment for seed germination.
( and hatching chickens :D As with constructing things of this nature, proceed at your own risk!

http://www.utm.edu/departments/cece/idea/incu.shtml


Here is one constructed out of a small refrigerator,

Image


Steve
Last edited by Knnn on Sun May 04, 2008 7:40 am, edited 2 times in total.


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lucky1
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Post by lucky1 » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:42 am

Ingenuity at its finest, Steve. :D
Perfect temps too.
Barb
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Knnn
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Post by Knnn » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:02 am

Thanks Barb, this one of my projects that is working better than I thought it would 8)

The biggest advantage so far is even heating of the containers, and as a result, producing a consistent moisture level throughout the germinating medium, ( with radiant heat, the bottom of the containers were always drier than the top), certain seeds need drier conditions to germinate, and with bottom heat I could never get things quite right.



Steve
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Alchris
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Post by Alchris » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:11 am

Very nice system.

I keep promising myself that I will stop germinating seeds now that my yard is almost complete. Then I find something and am back at it again. I am going to have to try to set up something similar to yours.

Allen
You don't have to be crazy to grow palms in Alberta..... But it helps
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oppalm
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Post by oppalm » Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:49 pm

Steve - as if you needed any additional help germinating seeds. very nice set up and the fact that its from recycled materials is a bonus. Now if you could just learn how to heat it up using the sun during the day (easy) and harness the light of the moon at night.

Seeing your recycled stuff made me remember that our city is having big trash pickup the 5th of April in which the city will basically pick up anything you can drag to the street and 2 men can pick up. It is crazy to see all the stuff people throw out and even crazier seeing all the people driving around in pickups and vans going through other peoples stuff etc. It is an amazing process and much of it is recycled and reused.
Kent in Kansas
where it's cold in winter (always)
and hot in summer (usually)
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Barrie

Post by Barrie » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:59 pm

Everytime I see homemade devices I wonder if insurance premiums are paid and are valid for such things. I'm not doubting your handy work, just cautious I guess. There was a bad fire with a propogation table in a greenhouse shared by two growers some years ago. It nearly ruined one business and badly set back another. I'd hate to see anything bad happen to you or anyone possibly affected by this device. Insurance companies can be ruthless!

Cheers, Barrie.
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Knnn
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Post by Knnn » Wed Mar 26, 2008 5:48 am

With that being said, I've decided to edit this thread down.
My background allows me some familiarity with designing and building custom equipment,
but presenting it for others to mimic may not be responsible on my part.


Steve
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oppalm
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Post by oppalm » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:05 am

Disclaimer for anything I may post or advice I may give in the future: Proceed with caution. Use your own brain. :lol:
I can not be held responsible for things you do.
Kent in Kansas
where it's cold in winter (always)
and hot in summer (usually)
<object width="290" height="130"><param name="movie" value="http://www.wunderground.com/swf/pws_min ... sh&lang=EN" /><embed src="http://www.wunderground.com/swf/pws_min ... sh&lang=EN" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="290" height="130" /></object>
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lucky1
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Post by lucky1 » Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:02 pm

Heck, reusing and recycling stuff is the way to go.
In my case, I'd have to get someone with know-how to do wiring, but the other stuff I could bang together myself, I bet.

Kent, folks going around picking up stuff from the curb (to reuse) is wonderful.
That must be quite a sight :lol: :lol:

And I've seen such shoddy work from supposedly certified tradesmen that I'm pretty leery.
We had a plumber install a new low-flow toilet and new sink a few years ago.
The next morning, there was a bit of water under the back of the toilet.

I called the plumber back, he looked at it and said "It didn't leak before I left..."

What a stupid thing to say!
I could've swatted that cocky beggar, and told him the previous toilet didn't leak for 25 years.
He hadn't tightened (enough) the tank to the seat.
And for that I had to pay $65.00 an hour...
I'll take the work of a home handyman plumber any day over that pompous ass.

Barb
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Knnn
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Post by Knnn » Sun May 04, 2008 7:44 am

Here is another Incubator plan,

http://ohioline.osu.edu/b633/b633_9.html


Steve
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lucky1
Arctic Palm Plantation
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Location: Vernon BC, Zone 5a or 5b (close to 6A!)

Post by lucky1 » Mon May 19, 2008 5:28 pm

Easy to understand instructions on that ohio site, Steve.

And to think I threw out a homemade fruit dryer years ago...it operated on a max of two 100w bulbs.
Worked like a charm for drying fruit on mesh trays, just needed a small fan to distribute warm air throughout.
I'll never throw anything out again :lol: :lol:

Barb
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