I've starting seeing these sips around and understand the basic concept, but not in depth. Is anybody using them? I'd like the details on what you use for wicks and how do you know when the res needs refilling. I imagine my hydro power growers would be ideal- just use the upper chamber for moss or whatever medium I choose and the res for the nutrient solution. I can't really understand how this is supposed to be a superior way to grow, or is that all sales hype. Thanks in advance for any help. I do like the soft sided buckets with handles- soil and plants can get heavy.
Have a good read: http://forum.grasscity.com/organic-growing/1151159-noobwannbs-self-wicking-smartpot-ghetto-setup.html?hl=sip I use a SIP for a lot of my plants, and I use smart pots/fabric pots for the "wick". EDIT Here's a pic of my SIP: The roots grow through the smart pot for capillary contact. There's no runoff, plants pick up water from the damp perlite.
Do you mind filling me in on how you do it- I see perlite in the pan underneath. Do you keep the perlite wet and the container itself- the smart pot- acts as the wick. What keeps the bottom of the pot from being waterlogged. Thanks for your help.
Lava rock works too, I just fill tray to ~ 1" from the bottom of the bag then wait for the rocks to look dry on top before refillng
Yes, the pot is the wick. You don't "fill" the tray just moisten the perlite. Organic soil should stay moist, this helps a lot to accomplish that. Microbes die when the soil dries.
There must be around 1" air gap between waterline and top of wicking medium. This gives roots sufficient oxygen. I use smart pots as well and they work perfect. I put more perlite around the bottom 3" or so of the pot to allow more roots to penetrate into the perlite. My plants fn love it and they exploded when I put them in it. I use it for peppers and everything! Every plant I've ever used absolutely loves it. Be careful not to over saturate your growing medium though. If you keep it filled constantly, chances are you will be water logging your soil. To prevent this, add additional aeration to your soil mix and also let the tray completely dry before adding more water. I fill my tray once per week and my perlite and soil stays moist the entire time. Organic soil works amazingly. With a water only organic mix in a SIP, there is absolutely no easier and healthier way to grow