Botanic Propagator - Thermostatically Controlled
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Botanic Propagator - Thermostatically Controlled

Parasene Botanic Electric Propagator - Model 135

To get the best from your seed sowings or your vegetative propagation (taking cuttings) you need to create the best growing conditions you can. With our own experience here on the nursery we know the 'must have's' to achieve this; after much research we believe the Botanic Propagator to be the best small propagator currently available - value for money, quality of construction, flexibility and most importantly usability. This is a nice piece of kit !

Basal heat is essential for high germination rates of seed and high striking rates of cuttings - but of equal importance is the ability to control this temperature as many subjects require different germination temperatures. A controllable thermostat is an item missed from many propagators but not from the Botanic which has a fully adjustable thermostat as well as a neon pilot light to indicate when the heating element is in operation.

The 40w heating element is more than adequate for all situations - allowing the propagator to be used on window sills to heated greenhouses or tunnels to unheated greenhouses or tunnels.

Included are two clear plastic covers that fit snugly over the sturdy seed trays (also included). These covers are generously tall allowing for sizeable cuttings or large seedlings to still be covered. Additionally both covers have twin adjustable ventilation which will allow more accurate control of air temperature and humidity.

At first glance propagators can seem an expensive 'gadget' - but if used properly they are an investment that should repay itself time and time again in money saved on seed due to improved germination rates and less losses of young seedlings and cuttings. Very highly recommended!

External size: 22" x 18" (56cm x 44cm)
Heated Area: 19" x 14¾" (49cm x 37½cm (takes two standard size seed trays)
Clear Cover Height: 3" (7cm) (measured from top of seed tray to lowest point)
Rated : 40 watts / 230-240 volts.

Supplied as a thermostatically controlled heated propagator, two sturdy seed trays and two ventilated clear covers.

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Manufacturers Operating Instructions For Parasene Botanic Electric Propagator Model 135

230-240 Volts AC Mains Supply - 40 Watts

Wiring
This propagator is fitted with a 3 amp fused plug. Should it be necessary to change the plug then wire as follows:
BROWN to LIVE (L)
BLUE to NEUTRAL (N)

Preparing The Propagator
1) Spread grit or coarse horticultural sand over the base of the propagator until 12mm (½") above the ribs and moisten it. This will ensure an even distribution of heat.
NOTE: DO NOT USE PEAT OR BUILDERS SAND DIRECTLY ON THE BASE AS THIS WILL CAUSE OVERHEATING
2) Switch on and allow the gravel / sand to warm thoroughly.
3) Gently push the seed trays or pots on to the gravel / sand and pack the spaces between and around with damp peat or compost. This prevents heat escaping and ensures it is concentrated through the seed trays and pots.
4) Fill the seed trays with damp compost and plant cuttings or sow seeds in the usual way. Once the seeds have germinated and are of suitable size the trays should be removed from the propagator and in this way a succession of seeds can be quickly raised.

Temperature Setting
To obtain accurate information it is necessary to use the temperature control knob in conjunction with a soil thermometer. The sensing device is placed in the ribs, which run along the bottom of the tray and it is therefore at this point that the thermostat will sense the temperature and not at the rooting point in the compost which is in the seed tray.

As a guide, the following examples will help you to establish the correct setting for your growing conditions (all settings are on an assumed basis of a gravel and sand mixture in the base of the propagator and moist compost in the seeds trays - temperature taken in that moist compost)

Seed Trays Without Covers On:
Thermostat Setting 7, Air Temperature 13°C (55°F) - Compost Temperature 16.5°C (61.7°F)
Thermostat Setting 9, Air Temperature 12°C (54°F) - Compost Temperature 16.5°C (61.7°F)
Thermostat Setting 9, Air Temperature 13°C (55°F) - Compost Temperature 18°C (64.4°F)
Thermostat Setting 10, Air Temperature 11°C (52°F) - Compost Temperature 18.5°C (65.3°F)
Thermostat Setting 10, Air Temperature 13°C (55°F) - Compost Temperature 21.5°C (70.7°F)

Seed Trays With Covers On:
Thermostat Setting 7, Air Temperature 13°C (55°F) - Compost Temperature 19.5°C (67.1°F)
Thermostat Setting 9, Air Temperature 12°C (54°F) - Compost Temperature 22°C (71.6°F)
Thermostat Setting 9, Air Temperature 13°C (55°F) - Compost Temperature 23°C (73.4°F)
Thermostat Setting 10, Air Temperature 11°C (52°F) - Compost Temperature 23.5°C (74.3°F)
Thermostat Setting 10, Air Temperature 13°C (55°F) - Compost Temperature 26°C (78.8°F)

Packing around the seed trays with peat will increase the temperature shown and therefore allow a lower thermostat setting.

It should be remembered that the temperature in the soil, pots and seed trays when used together will vary slightly due to the different conditions which affect heat conductivity. A periodic check with a soil thermometer will enable you to compensate for any differences experienced.

Neon Pilot Light
The neon light labelled 'HEAT' will stay on until the selected temperature has been reached. When, due to outside causes, the temperature drops the pilot light will come on again, indicating that the heating element is once again working.

If the base is being in a warm room, the element and 'HEAT' light will not come on unless the thermostat setting is higher than the air temperature.

Watering
Heat is more effectively conducted when the sand and the compost are moist. The trays and pots can be watered in situ and do not need to be removed from the tray. When watering, the soil temperature will drop and you may notice the 'HEAT' light comes on. This is perfectly normal and indicates that the thermostat is doing its job.

Safety Warning
1) Electricity is dangerous, do not use this product if there is any damage to the mains lead, plug or base.
2) Do not modify this product in any way.
3) If your propagator stops working or if you suspect a fault do not attempt any repairs, return it to your retailer.
4) When not in use store in a cool dry environment.
5) Do not place the propagator in water or in an area where water can come in contact with the underside of the base.
6) This product is not a toy and should not be used by children, or left unattended in an area where children or pets are present.*

* Victoriana's Comment To Point (6) Above
Whilst we agree with the manufacturer that this item is not a toy and the potential combination of electricity, water and children is to be avoided, we would suggest that PROVIDED THE UNIT IS SWITCHED OFF AND DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAINS ELECTRICITY WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF IT (including adding to or removing items from it), the SUPERVISED (by an adult) use of this propagator by children will prove of no detriment and of course aid with ther 'life skills' of understanding how seeds germinate and how plants grow.