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A propagator for small plants or seedlings
(From Osmosis 14 Autumn 1998)

You need:

  • 2 x 1.5 or 2 litre plastic soft drink bottles (labels removed), preferably including one with a coloured base
  • A piece of wick
  • Some soil, compost or growing mixture
  • Water

To remove the label cleanly:

  • Fill the bottle with hot water ( not too hot, or it will buckle).
  • Screw the cap back on the bottle and in a short time the label should peel off.
  • Empty the water out of the bottle.

SAFETY NOTES!

1. Always be very careful when working with hot water.

2. Sharp scissors have to be used to cut the bottles, if you have a ragged cut edge on the bottle it may scratch fingers and hands. Care should be taken at all times.


METHOD

1. Cut a 1.5 or 2 litre transparent plastic bottle at the widest point

2. Cut a slit in the cap. Thread a wick of absorbent cloth through to make a wick
 

3. Add water and rest the inverted top of the bottle in the base. Add soil and your plants.

4. Cut another identical bottle slightly above the "shoulder" and place on top as a propagator. Make holes in the screw cap (or leave it off) to allow air to circulate.

Questions

1. Algal growth in the reservoir can be a problem. How could this be reduced or prevented?

2. Identical plants grown with and without a propagator lid may show very clear differences.

3. A taller propagator lid may allow taller plants to be grown.

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