After you fill with soil & plant would you water from top to wet soil or just fill from the bottom w/ water only?
1830408
The basics are that when a tomato plant is set in one of these, it will spend the first 3 to 4 weeks growing its roots, down to the water in the bottom to get to its best water source and outward to pickup a food source. So you won't see much upward growth until that is established. During this phase I water from the top but not so much that water is being flushed out the bottom. Once I see the upward growth start, I water from the bottom through the openings in the sides at the bottom. This has worked well for me in Texas where the heat beginning in late June to mid September is a big problem for most plant life. The basics are that when a tomato plant is set in one of these, it will spend the first 3 to 4 weeks growing its roots, down to the water in the bottom to get to its best water source and outward to pickup a food source. So you won't see much upward growth until that is established. During this phase I water from the top but not so much that water is being flushed out the bottom. Once I see the upward growth start, I water from the bottom through the openings in the sides at the bottom. This has worked well for me in Texas where the heat beginning in late June to mid September is a big... » Read More The basics are that when a tomato plant is set in one of these, it will spend the first 3 to 4 weeks growing its roots, down to the water in the bottom to get to its best water source and outward to pickup a food source. So you won't see much upward growth until that is established. During this phase I water from the top but not so much that water is being flushed out the bottom. Once I see the upward growth start, I water from the bottom through the openings in the sides at the bottom. This has worked well for me in Texas where the heat beginning in late June to mid September is a big problem for most plant life. « Show Less
1830409
I have grown tomatoes for three years now and I have been very successful. I always water from the top. I'm not sure you would have very good results watering only from the bottom. I have squash planted now for a late Fall harvest.
1830410
Hydrofarm says it should work either way. I'd recommend first watering from the top to wet the soil. but after that you should be able to fill the rez from the bottom and have the water and nutrients wick up via the roots or the assumed wicking mat. If it doesn't include a wicking mat you could purchase hemp rope or go to a garden store and purchase a wicking mat. They are cheap. Then put some of the wicking material in the soil and make sure some is touching water. Hope that helps.
231883
Always fill the bottom up to capacity, the roots drink on a tomato plant, they don't like getting their leaves wet. When I first planted them, I did water the top a little as you can safely do that as plants are so tiny. When full grown, the complete bottom is full of roots.
86283
Paul, I bought this for my husband, so I asked him. This is what he said, "You can. But I just water mine enough to water the plants. I'm not trying to water it enough to get anything to run through and make fertilizer."Hope that helps. BTW...he loves his!
1781385
Hi.Need both, water for the bottom and air for the top. I used sand in the bottom
1334898
This planter cannot be filled with soil. It has an open slat bottom on which you set a potted plant. I had one just like it that was made of wood. But, over the years it eventually rotted. I have found this one to be very durable.
356218
If the unit is buried in an area that typically puddles and/or to which runoff will collect, then I suspect ground water will collect in the DD. The bottom, of course, is open. I think more likely is that water you add to DD will drain out into surrounding soil and refilling to keep biology alive will require constant attention. That is why we have yet to install out DD.
1648305
Yes to both of your questions! It also has a feature called cycle and soak, which will divide your total run time up into smaller cycles, giving the soil time to absorb. A great feature for getting the most watering out of your water restriction days. Since you are only running two or three days a week, you'll just set your run times higher then you would if you were running every day. That way when the software adjusts down for weather, it's not decreasing your watering too much. We love ours so much!
1671482
Yes, but - You want to measure the "runoff" or drainage from the pot. Water your plants lightly then let them sit untill all soil is moist, then slowly add water until you get your runoff, rather than pouring it on and it drains too quickly and your measurement will be off.
6947
As much as you set it under. Depending on how much you fill the bucket with water/solution. There is a water level tube for you too see where its at. Hard to go wrong. You want to start with the water higher and touching substrate and work your way down a little when roots grow into the reservoir to give them an air gap.
1424172
yes. you should mix the crystals in the soil, not just pour it on top. also be aware it expands a lot when watered. try taking half a teaspoon and put in a bowl and add water and see how much volume it adds, and take that into account when adding dry crystals to the soil...
1990653
Just get the top of the soil wet. Using a small spray bottle filled with spring water usually does the trick. You can water with method every morning. You don't want the roots to get soggy as they will rot.
1077151
I think if you have a level surface and you line it first so the liner goes up the sides and use a soil that will absorb the water, it would be fine. Garden soil usually has absorbing beads in it. I placed mine on the grass and lined it with weed liner and it worked great. Once you have all the soil in it, it is very stable and the plants are beautiful.
760350
No but mixing it with soil will reduce the need for watering. I have never tried using solely the beads other than for cut flowers.
1313060
I use a pruning sheer to clip one hole on the bottom. Trust your instincts or trial and error to determine the size. Depends on how often you want to water, water needs of the plant, and permeability or other qualities of the soil. Also, I use an opened (I cut out the bottom) 2L bottle or a 1L bottle, and fill it that way. If the hole gets clogged, the single hole method makes it easy to poke it free from the top or bottom. I made a poker out of a thin stick with a paper clip taped to the end.
1911384
If you are using the planter indoors, leave the plugs in place at the bottom so water does not leak to the floor, complete the assembly, add the container type gardening soil then water lightly depending on plants or seeds sown. The water level indicator will rise or fall depending on water level. For outside use, remove the plugs so water can drain away to avoid overwetting the soil. I can't check just now, but believe Keter's website will also have directions. Have fun!
1184020
Depends on what you're growing. I water with nutrients every other watering. Plus the box has stage by stage portion guide
2047721
You turn the entire bulb upside down and drizzle water down the inside of the stem. As the water goes in, the air goes out. Once in the planter and the soil dries out, water dribbles out and air back in. It typically does not take long to fill - less than a minute.
243609
No bottom....it is intended to leach water back into the soil....I placed 2' of river rock in the bottom of the hole. It works really well and can handle a lot of water. Top and sides only. I opted for the top drain attachment just in case I needed to drop in a sump pump.