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ADVICE ON USING YOUR PLANTMASTER 2000 PROPAGATOR
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
Plantmaster 2000 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
trays or 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.
How do I use the
Easy Fill Water Inlet?
Bend it so
that it is held in place by the two lugs on both sides of one corner of the
propagator base. After moistening, lay the capillary matting flat in the
base and stand trays or flower pots on top. When plants require water, pour
up to 0.85 litres of clean water through the water inlet. The matting will
supply them with water, providing that it remains wet and the containers
have drainage holes. When more water is required to moisten the matting,
apply via the Inlet to avoid disturbing the plants.
Could I use the
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.
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