Setting Up Your Thermostat; Programming A Desired Temperature; Propagating Seeds; Propagation Of Cuttings - greenhouse sensation Vitopod Setup Instructions

Setting up your Thermostat

• Find a good spot for your Vitopod, 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 that comes directly from the Vitopod base to the
socket on the thermostat. Connect the plug from the thermostat
into you mains socket.
• Feed the temperature sensor wire through one of the vents. Place
the temperature sensor in the Vitopod at least 1 inch (2.5 cms)
from the sides of the Vitopod. Do not push the temperature sensor
into soil/compost and do not have it touching the base.

Programming a desired temperature

• Press the button.
• Use the + and – buttons to select the desired temperature
between 5°C and 30°C.
• Press the button to set the desired temperature.
• While the Vitopod is heating up the symbol will appear
alongside the temperature reading.
• Once the desired temperature has been reached the
will disappear.
• After 3 minutes of inactivity the display will dim, this prolongs
the life of the thermostat. To light the display up press either
the + or – button once.
Important
Securely hanging the thermostat by the loop on the back helps to
prevent it from getting knocked onto the floor which (as with any
electrical component) could lead to damage.
When not in use store your thermostat in its box in a cool,
dry place.

Propagating seeds

• Refer to your seed packets for temperature guidance.
• 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.
symbol

Propagation of cuttings

• Fill 3 inch pots 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.
• 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 the
pots you have filled with compost.
• If you are using rooting compound dip the cut end of the
cutting into the rooting compound, this encourages growth.
• 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. Place the pots in the Vitopod
and cover with the lid with the vents closed to maintain humidity.
• When the cuttings have rooted gradually open the vents and
lower the temperature to acclimatise the young plants to cooler
conditions.
We highly recommend the
use of a surge protector
Tip
Keep everything clean to avoid contamination with pests, bacteria
and fungus.
Safety notice
Care must be taken when using this heated propagator, see
further details below.
Hardening off
Gradually acclimatise your plants to life outside the Vitopod by
removing the lid during the day. If a frost or severely cold weather is
forecast it is best to use the lid.
Managing the temperature
• The Vitopod has a temperature range between 5°C and 30°C. For
best results monitor the temperature of your greenhouse.
• The Vitopod 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
Vitopod into your home.
• The Vitopod has no cooling ability. If the temperature of your
greenhouse is warmer than your desired propagating temperature
remove the lid from your Vitopod and ventilate your greenhouse.
Safety notices
• Care must be taken not to expose the sockets or plugs of the
thermostat or the Vitopod Propagator to water. The thermostat
and Vitopod base are compliant to IPX2 – Protected against direct
sprays up to 15° from the vertical. They should not be allowed to
stand in water.
• The thermostat is only for use with the Vitopod Propagator. Do not
connect the thermostat to any other electrical equipment.
• If the supply cord is damaged it must be replaced by the
manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in
order to avoid a hazard.
• The Vitopod Propagator is sealed for life and if damaged should
be discarded or returned to Greenhouse Sensation.
• To protect the roots of your plants there is a safety cut-out in
the Vitopod base which operates at 30C. The cut-out resets
automatically when the unit has cooled to 20C.
• Greenhouse Sensation is Brand Name and Registered Trademark
of Nutriculture UK Ltd.