The bio-set fresh salad propagator set consists of three germination trays (1/3 in diagram) each of which is provided with a white siphonfood. There is also a lid (4) which also acts as the water feeding vessel and a base (5) which acts as the water collection vessel.

Before use, ensure that the unit is on a horizontal surface and that all the white siphon-hoods are securely in place on the water outlet tubes.

The propagator can be used for growing various kinds of fresh salad such as mustard and cress, bean shoots etc. and it is worth experimenting to see just how versatile the unit is.

You can introduce the seeds either into all the trays at the same time or one by one, e.g. on the first day tray n 1, on the second day tray n 2, on the third day n 3…thus creating a cycle.

The quantity of seeds used depends upon your individual requirements. Remember however, that the seeds will expand tremendously when wetted as indicated below and will occupy approximately four times their initial volume.

Spread out your seeds evenly and assemble the base (5) and propagator trays (1-3). Then fill the feeding vessel (4) with water up to about 1 cm (1/2 inch) of the top, whilst keeping the outlet hole closed with the finger. Now place the feeding vessel in position over the propagator trays. 

The water in the feeding vessel will now flow down automatically from one tray to the next, thanks to the little siphons, thus wetting the seeds and encouraging them to germinate. (If this action does not take place, then you did not place enough water in the feeding vessel.)

At the end of the siphoning process the excess water will collect in the base (5) which should be emptied.

This siphoning process ensures that the seeds are properly wetted without being drowned by too much water. Just enough water stays in each propagator tray to provide the sufficient humidity required for rapid germination of the seeds.

The wetting process described above should be repeated every day or two depending upon experience.  Most seeds germinate best in well-lit conditions but avoiding sunlight. Some seeds such as Soya, however, grow best in the dark.

Depending upon the temperature and the type of seeds being grown, the shoots should be edible in 2-5 days. If freshly sprouted shoots are not to be consumed the day they are picked, they can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator.

The shoots should be washed well with running water before eating.

Some seeds may form fibrous roots looking like mildew and this is not important. However, occasionally some genuine mildew occurs.  In this case normally the problem can be overcome by reducing the frequency of watering and experimenting with the temperature and position of the bio-set.

The apparatus must be cleaned thoroughly every time after use, using dish washing liquid and warm water followed by rinsing in clean running water. Remove all siphon-hoods and ensure that they are thoroughly cleaned out and are free of all seeds remnants, which would interfere with the siphoning action the next time on use.

If the apparatus is in constant or very frequent use, it might be advisable when cleaning to soak the trays also in a mixture or vinegar and water.