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Making Substrate Pellets
Mix & grind dry components to remove any lumps. Using the precision dropper add water drop by drop into mix. The correct moisture content is important in making your own pellets.
Mix and stir the contents until the mix is moist. You can tell when you have the right moisture content by pinching a small amount of the mix between you thumb and forefinger. The mix is to wet if you can squeeze water out and to dry if it falls apart after you release pressure.
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Holding the Pellet Press cylinder with the wooden piston retracted 1" or more. Push the cylinder into the moistened mix repeatedly until about 5/8" of mix is forced into the cylinder.
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Slip the Pellet Press cylinder over the plastic stud in the pellet press base. Using the handle end of a kitchen knife give the Pellet Press Piston several brisk taps until the pellet mix is compressed into a solid pellet.
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Place the "ears" of the pellet press cylinder over the rim of a glass. Tap the piston with the kitchen knife until the pellet is extruded from the end of the cylinder. Nudge the pellet against the rim of the glass until it releases and drops into the glass. Place the pellets onto a plate and allow to dry overnight. In humid areas it may be necessary to dry the pellets in a warm (not hot) oven.
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Installation of a New Substrate
Insert pellets into the existing substrate to renew its capability to promote healthy plant growth. Install a pellet into the end of the applicator. Force the applicator into the existing substrate then eject the pellet. Repeat this action until a new layer of substrate has been installed.
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The correct way to reload the applicator is to hold the applicator so that the pellet end is higher than the handle end. Water runs away from your hand as you reload the applicator.
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The incorrect way to reload the applicator allows water to run back into your hand.
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