Overflow/runoff or not when using organics

@Tommy McCain

I picked up two plastic transparent low rise bins from Walmart and landscaper fabric and clay pellets from a grow store.

I like the clear bins because I can see the water level pretty well.I layered the fabric on the inside and on top to help keep algea away. Loaded up the pellets and water just below the pebble level and put the smart fabric pots on top of the fabric.

Is there an easy way to confirm this is wicking water up? The fabric feels dry to me. The pot bottoms are moist because I watered yesterday so that doesn't tell if its working.

Does this look legit?

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@Tommy McCain

I picked up two plastic transparent low rise bins from Walmart and landscaper fabric and clay pellets from a grow store.

I like the clear bins because I can see the water level pretty well.I layered the fabric on the inside and on top to help keep algea away. Loaded up the pellets and water just below the pebble level and put the smart fabric pots on top of the fabric.

Is there an easy way to confirm this is wicking water up? The fabric feels dry to me. The pot bottoms are moist because I watered yesterday so that doesn't tell if its working.

Does this look legit?

View attachment 804864 View attachment 804865

@lunarman nice looking setup! I usually add water until it is just below where it touches the pot. This is an art not a science and it usually takes me a few days to get it "tuned in". I went through a few over watering mistakes before I got the hang of it. I top water in a few different things like kelp, neem and a few others. You just have to watch on these days because it is easy to over water. I let the tray get a little dry on the days I top water. Once the plants get some size, you will come to a point when you have to fill up the trays daily because the plants "drink" so much. Also, once the roots come through the bottom of the pots into the "medium" with the water, the plant comes to life and growth is crazy. I would compare the feeling to when hydro guys get their plants to "catch" with synthetic nutrients and their plants growth takes off.
 
would aerating the res and pebbles and water with an air pump be beneficial?

I'm going to put landscape fabric on top of the pebbles and the pots on top of that. Read that reduces algae issues.

I have seen someone try this and it worked. It just borders on making my life complicated so I stay away.
 
When a plant is small you have to watch over watering. You will get a feel for this overtime but that picture looks alright. I also like to keep give the outer edge a good soak once a week. I like to use a sprayer to do that.



Some die some do not. It does not matter because there are plenty in a soil mix with a quality compost. Below is my link. I had issues with this when I started growing. My thread will explain everything. I have taken a few photos and will update that thread here in a few days. Let me know if you need anything else.

edit: If you think your microbes are dead you can make a "tea" to get the party going. I am not much for tea (lazy man gardening), but you can look it up in the organics section. Maybe one of the other organic growers can give you a recipe( @hecno, @Jraven, @dankstyle J, @robbio).

Oh yeah...what was I thinking. Mulch is another option to keep moisture on the surface. I plant white clover in my pots when they are small. This will help maintain soil moisture.


https://www.autoflower.org/threads/tommys-wet-microbes-grow-stinky-stanky-weed.61074/

I like that white clover idea. It seems it would help keep down any algae growth on the media surface also.
 
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