Homemade Propagators.

Latest Update 19th July 2020.

I have abandoned my use of EcoPropagators, in favour of a new propagator design as shown above.
After extraordinary results in the first 2 years of 3 years in use, my EcoPropagators became infected with small black flies, which I have not been able to eradicate.  The constantly wet wicking media was bound to attract pests at some stage I guess, and I had always been aware it could have been a problem.

My Ecobeds have not been effected by these pests thankfully because of their much deeper soil, and have been producing good food for us since May 2012.

The new propagators feature a platform inside the unit which accommodates 3 conventional 30 cell seed trays or for growing taller seedlings three 12 cell seed trays (total capacity is still the same as before even though the new units are more compact).  The platform is slatted and while a layer of heavy duty shadecloth is mounted below it to keep pests at bay, surplus water drains freely.

The usual protections against pests and inclement weather are retained, and the new units which are considerably lighter in the absence of the wicking materials used in the old model are mounted at a more sensible working height on a fairly lightweight stand, have an external work table, and a redesigned cover angled to capture more winter sunshine.  They can be relocated easily should the need arise.