Indoor Experienced Smart Pot Growers

[GCase]

Can anyone give some tips on using Smart Pots. Presently, using one 3 gl. Want to use 3-2 gl next time if can work out issues.

I ran in to some trouble with a three gallon SP. After first watering it quickly dried out. Plant began to look under watered. I slowly added watered over a few days, rather than flood the pot.

Still the plant looked under watered. Once the pot began to gain some moisture yet felt light--I watered. Then it looked over watered. Sometimes it is difficult to determine the difference.

Lower plant growth is ok. 3/4 of plant droops with new growth showing slender leaves on a heavy indica. Could be a root problem.

I do believe there is some technical issues when using these pots. I have lots of air circulation with temps at mid 70s.

SM link below for those interested. Seems to be some hydroponic applications available. And a section on how to use for tomato growing (aka canna).

note: I have some dirt bags. Made of a different fabric and not as well constructed. Anyone had better results with them.

http://www.smartpots.com/

 

[JM]

sounds like you're having trouble with watering to me... I've never tried the air pots mind you...

but watering should basically be a sine wave...

water thoroughly... to 10% runoff

then wait until the pots are "light" when you heft them before next watering...



:smokebuds:

 

[Bromeo]

I've been using smart pots for a long time not. Both for my indoor grows and my veggie garden. I fill them then water add more soil as needed then I tie a stocking around them. Rope, bunjee strap or what ever. It keeps the smart pot wall in contact with the soil. It keps the water from running straight out the sides and bottom. It really helps keep them from during out so fast. But yes the dry out super fast and not always evenly.

 

[GCase]

Thanks JM. Back to Wikipedia on the sine wave. Oh - yes - always light. This time maybe too light.

Now, that is 10% once the medium is near the saturation point. For example: One mixes (for any kind of pot) one gallon of water with or without nutes per the nute directions. Then once the first few quarts are poured the run-off is heavy--coming from the sides and if aerated properly down throught the soil. So you end up with just a prepping of the soil. The soil does not retain much water until you get to a saturation point.

JM--Do you think my soil is over aerated or not compacted enough. All my grows have been like this with the exception of one pot that I thought was not properly mixed and felt heavy from the onset.

 

[GCase]

I've been using smart pots for a long time not. Both for my indoor grows and my veggie garden. I fill them then water add more soil as needed then I tie a stocking around them. Rope, bunjee strap or what ever. It keeps the smart pot wall in contact with the soil. It keps the water from running straight out the sides and bottom. It really helps keep them from during out so fast. But yes the dry out super fast and not always evenly.

Excellent idea. That is a problem. And why I will go with 2 gl next time. 3 gl is unwieldy if not bursting at the seam with soil.

I bet the roots are not making good contact with the fabric.

 

[Bromeo]

Also if the smart pot is not making contact with the soil it makes a chamber for mold and fungus to come to life.

 

[phoenix rising]

Heya Alan,i'm currently using 3 3 gallon smartpots for a few of the plants,promix bxis my soil.When i water i usually run 2 liters plain ph water thru first,then 2 liters of feed,followed by 1 last liter of plain ph water-so 5 liters in total per water.After that the pots are heavy and evenly saturated-no dry pockets. Usually takes 3-4 days for them to dry out under my T5's-a little less as the plants get close to the end and get full size-2-3 days.I use a bunch of 1 gallon smartpots but you really gotta stay on them when the plants get big as they willl drink a pot dry in 24 hours.Never tried a 2 gallon size.

 

[GCase]

Heya Alan,i'm currently using 3 3 gallon smartpots for a few of the plants,promix bxis my soil.When i water i usually run 2 liters plain ph water thru first,then 2 liters of feed,followed by 1 last liter of plain ph water-so 5 liters in total per water.After that the pots are heavy and evenly saturated-no dry pockets. Usually takes 3-4 days for them to dry out under my T5's-a little less as the plants get close to the end and get full size-2-3 days.I use a bunch of 1 gallon smartpots but you really gotta stay on them when the plants get big as they willl drink a pot dry in 24 hours.Never tried a 2 gallon size.

Sounds like a good plan. I'll just convert those pesty liters into quarts :twist:.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I have used 1 gal, 3 gal, 5 gal, and I'm currently using 7 gal fiber pots.

I have experimented with just about every watering method/schedule I could think of. The final verdict goes like this:

I water every two days... at a rate of 1 part water to 10 parts mix (very roughly). For example: if I'm using a 3 gal (12 ltr) pot, I'm going to give them 1/4 gal (1ltr) to 1/2 gal (2 ltr) per watering. In my 7 (28 ltr) gal pots, I give 1/2 (2 ltr) to 3/4 gal (3 ltr). Early in the grow, I'm on the low side, when the plants are bigger, I up it a little. My plants have thrived under this schedule. On rare occasion, usually toward finish time, the plants will drink a little more than that... just give them a little more if you start seeing that.