Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
Can any one direct me towards some instructions for a propagation bench.
So far I have constructed a 6' x 2' x 6" deep bench and ordered a 20 ft soil warming cable and a rod thermostat. I was wondering about lining the bottom with a sheet of polystyrene, with drainage hoiles of course. Was then gouing to use horticultural grit. Not sure of the depth of grit abovre and below the cable? Trevor --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.455 / Virus Database: 255 - Release Date: 13/02/03 |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
Polystyrene yes I cover mine with polythene sheet, don't put drainage
through, then 2 inches of sand cable laid 6 inches apart then another 2 inches then black poly over that to keep the moisture in the sand around the cable. -- David Hill Abacus Nurseries www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
"trevor.appleton" wrote in message ... Can any one direct me towards some instructions for a propagation bench. So far I have constructed a 6' x 2' x 6" deep bench and ordered a 20 ft soil warming cable and a rod thermostat. I was wondering about lining the bottom with a sheet of polystyrene, with drainage hoiles of course. Was then gouing to use horticultural grit. Not sure of the depth of grit abovre and below the cable? Trevor Yes line with polystyrene also line the sides. I have experimented on this and found the heat loss through the sides to be significant.. Bell |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
I would think about including some polystyrene insulation between the
plastic sheet and the sides and base. -- "Wisest are they that know they do not know." Socrates "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world" JRR Toliken, The Hobbit |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
through, then 2 inches of sand cable laid 6 inches apart then another 2
inches then black poly over that to keep the moisture in the sand 1 " or 2" polystyrene? Sand or grit? Sharp or soft sand? --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.455 / Virus Database: 255 - Release Date: 13/02/03 |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
Polystyrene yes I cover mine with polythene sheet, don't put drainage
through, Is polystyrene porous then David? --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.455 / Virus Database: 255 - Release Date: 13/02/03 |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
"david" wrote in message ... Polystyrene yes I cover mine with polythene sheet, don't put drainage through, then 2 inches of sand cable laid 6 inches apart then another 2 inches then black poly over that to keep the moisture in the sand around the cable. -- David Hill Do you not put steel mesh over the cables to distribute heat. Trevor,, Do you intend rooting into the sand etc or are you going to stand pots etc on it. Bell |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
Trevor,, Do you intend rooting into the sand etc or are you going to stand pots etc on it. Hi Bell I was kinda hoping to do both Trevor BTW Do you know of any good lists of professional horticultural sites? --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.455 / Virus Database: 255 - Release Date: 13/02/03 |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
Is polystyrene porous then David?
No but if you have damp sand sandwiched between the polystyrene and a top layer of polythene then it will stay damp. The top layer will stop the water from going into the sand If the sand dries then the heat doesn't spread evenly through the bench. I have had this working now for many years. I also put the wires 6 inches apart with the thermostat probe between the wires and just below the surface (about 1/2 inch) The polythene also stops the plant rots going into the bench. -- David Hill Abacus Nurseries www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
so sand rather than horticultural grit?
Can I root direct into the sand as well as stand pots/trays on it? --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.455 / Virus Database: 255 - Release Date: 13/02/03 |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
You can root straight into the sand on the bench, but I wouldn't. roots
quickly get amongst the wires and mess up the level of the wires. better to rot in a box of media. I would use 1/3rd peat, 1/3rd sand and 1/3rd pearlite, in a box a couple of inches deep. It will be easier to get the plants out. but still better to root in cell trays, -- David Hill Abacus Nurseries www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Propagation Bench construction
How often do you have to wet the sand using this method?
Trevor "david" wrote in message ... Is polystyrene porous then David? No but if you have damp sand sandwiched between the polystyrene and a top layer of polythene then it will stay damp. The top layer will stop the water from going into the sand If the sand dries then the heat doesn't spread evenly through the bench. I have had this working now for many years. I also put the wires 6 inches apart with the thermostat probe between the wires and just below the surface (about 1/2 inch) The polythene also stops the plant rots going into the bench. -- David Hill Abacus Nurseries www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.455 / Virus Database: 255 - Release Date: 13/02/03 |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
ants in plunge bench | United Kingdom | |||
Storage Bench - Recommendations | United Kingdom | |||
Flip-up Garden Bench? | Gardening | |||
[IBC] bench pics | Bonsai | |||
Heated bench | United Kingdom |