Propagation of cuttings
• Fill each seed tray to the brim with quality cutting compost. It is important
that the compost is free from bacterial and fungal infection. Dampen
using a fine spray.
• Choose non-flowering, fast growing shoots approximately 7-8 cms/
3 inches long.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the stem just below the leaf node. Take care not
to touch the cut surfaces because this can introduce disease into the
cutting. Then remove most of the leaves from the cutting, leaving 3 or 4
at the tip of the shoot.
• Use a dibber or pencil to make 2 – 3cm deep holes in 3 inch pots you
have filled with compost.
• If you are using rooting compound dip the cut end of the cutting into the
rooting compound.
• Put the cuttings into the holes you’ve made in the compost and firm
down gently making sure there are no air pockets.
• Use a fine spray to water well. Cover with the lid and close the vents to
maintain humidity.
• When the cuttings have rooted gradually open the vents and lower the
temperature to acclimatise the young plants to cooler conditions.
Managing the temperature
• The GeoPod has a temperature range between 5°C and 30°C. For best
results monitor the temperature of your greenhouse.
• The GeoPod has a temperature lift of 12°C, meaning if the temperature
of your greenhouse is 5°C, then the propagator will reach a maximum
of 17°C (a low ambient temperature means low light levels and a longer
period of growing before plants will be transplanted, therefore a lift of
more than 12°C is not desirable for the plants). If you do require a greater
lift than this, take your GeoPod into your home.
• The GeoPod has no cooling ability. If the temperature of your
greenhouse is warmer than your desired propagating temperature
remove the lid from your GeoPod and ventilate your greenhouse.
Hardening Off
• Gradually acclimatise your plants to life, outside the GeoPod, by
removing the lid during the day. If a frost or severely cold weather is
forecast it is best to use the lid.
Set-up instructions
• Find a good spot for your GeoPod, you will need an even surface with
good natural light and access to a power supply, avoid strong sunlight
because you don’t want to overheat your seeds. Keep away from any
heat sources or cold draughts.
• Connect the plug of the temperature controller to the GeoPod and plug
the controller into the mains supply.
• Feed the temperature sensor wire through one of the vents. Place the
temperature sensor in the GeoPod at least 1 inch (2.5 cms) from the
side of the GeoPod. For best results your temperature sensor should be
placed 1 inch above the heated base.
• Place the temperature controller on a flat surface press ‘s’ then ‘+’ or ‘-’
buttons to set the target temperature, press once per 1°C. Press ‘s’ to
set.
• As your seeds/cuttings develop gradually open the vents and remove the
lid to manage humidity. Never allow the compost to dry out.
• Please refer to manufactures instructions for propagation lights set-up.
Propagating Seeds
• Completely fill each seed tray with quality seed compost. Use a fine
spray to dampen the compost.
• Firm down the compost gently using a flat based tool.
• Sow your seeds and cover them with finely sieved compost to the same
depth as your seeds. e.g. if the seeds are 1mm diameter, cover with 1
-1.5mm of sieved compost, follow instructions on the seed packet.
• Water well using a fine spray until the compost is moist but not saturated.
• When the seedlings have germinated you will see two small ‘seed’
leaves. When these appear open the vents gradually to decrease
humidity. As your plants grow prop open the lid to increase ventilation,
eventually remove the lid.
• If your seedlings become crowded prick some out with a dibber to give
others more space.
• When true leaves (typical of the plant type) appear the plants are large
enough to be handled and should be transplanted into pots or trays so
that they have more space in which to develop. Stems are very fragile at
this stage, take care to handle by the leaves.
