 Sankey PlantMaster 2000 Plant Propagator User Guide
Where should I keep my propagator?
In a bright position, in a room, greenhouse or conservatory where, ideally, the temperature remains between 13 - 27 C.
How can I tell when the propagator is working?
The Sankey Plantmaster 2000 Electric Plant Propagator is fitted with a single 'heat on' indicator light which remains illuminated only when the element is using electricity. The indicator light works in conjunction with an electric thermostat. The light will sometimes flash on or off for longer periods. The flickering is quire normal and it indicates that the thermostat is monitoring and reacting extremely quickly to changes in temperature, culminating in an even heating pattern and greater heating efficiency. The illumination time will be governed by the heat selector control knob setting, the nature and volume of compost and also the surrounding air temperature.
How can the temperature of the compost be altered?
By adjusting the heat selector knob on the control dial - this is coupled to a thermostat which governs the heating element within the base. The control dial has nine variable settings; turn the heat selector control knob clockwise to make the compost warmer, or anticlockwise to decrease the heat.
What compost temperature do you suggest?
Initially, select setting no. 6. After two hours check the compost temperature with a propagation thermometer, (available from most garden centres), about 2.5cm below the surface of the compost. A temperature of about 22 - 25 C suits many seeds, seedlings and cuttings, but if you want to keep the compost warmer or cooler increase or reduce the setting no. as appropriate, checking the compost, temperature after two hours. Repeat this operation as needed. Compost in seed trays will generally become warmer, more quickly, than when flower pots are used.
Will the selected compost temperature be automatically maintained?
Within limits, yes. A slight difference may occur at a fixed heat selector setting, even if the surrounding air temperature remains constant. At a very low air temperature the compost may not become suitably warm and when the air temperature is very high, thus naturally warming the compost beyond the maximum operating heat level of the unit, the thermostat will automatically cut out.
Why don't you give temperature guide settings?
It is not possible to indicate exact compost temperatures because the heat sensor is located, safely, within the thermally insulated base, rather than being in direct contact with the compost. Changing air temperatures around the propagator, for example when the sun shines on it or when the temperature cools rapidly at night, can influence the actual and potential heat level of the compost. At times, therefore, it may be necessary to adjust the heat selector knob setting to maintain the required temperature of the compost. This is why it is recommend to use a propagation thermometer.
Do I have to use containers inside the propagator?
No. If you decide not to, don't use the matting and water the compost very cautiously.
Should I use seed trays or plant pots?
It's up to you. A seed tray holds less compost and it will become warmer. Seedlings don't need a great depth of compost because they are generally pricked out soon after germination; cuttings sometimes require more compost than seedlings. This propagator takes 3 Sankey 21 x 15 cm seed trays side-by-side plus several pots.
Any tips on using the ventilators?
Keep them fully closed whilst seeds are germinating and soft, leafy cuttings are rooting. When new growth occurs, open them fully over a period of a week or so. Fresh air helps check fungus diseases and promotes sturdier growth and conditions the young plants to the drier air they will experience when removed from the propagator.
Can condensation be prevented?
Not really, because the air inside a propagator will nearly always be moist. Wipe the top once or twice each day if heavy droplets form and/or open the ventilators. The gable-shaped design directs condensation safely to the propagator base, so drips on plants shouldn't be a problem.
When should the capillary matting be used?
Place it in the propagator before standing containers on top. When wet, it will spread the heat more evenly, increase the humidity and extend the water interval. Dampen the matting under a tap before use, but don't keep it saturated otherwise the seeds or plants may rot. Apply water to the matting and/or containers, as required. Remove the matting if you want to raise the compost temperature.
Could I use the PlantMaster 2000 propagator without the top on?
Certainly. It will then function as a heated base for larger, established plants that need warm roots and drier, cooler conditions - this could be in spring, autumn and winter. If desired, use the matting to extend the water interval and provide a more moist environment at any time of the year.
See the Sankey PlantMaster 2000 Electric Propagator in our Store.
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