AutoPot Tray2Grow system 111.5x41x9.5 cm

Product detailed description

AutoPot Tray2Grow - one tray, five growing methods

AutoPot Tray2Grow is a fully automated self-watering system designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom. It works completely without electricity, pumps or timers - only on the principle of gravity. It is suitable for raising seedlings, germination, growing herbs, vegetables and ornamental annual plants, outdoors and indoors. The tray measures 111.5x41x9.5 cm.

Five uses

• Growing bags - the included capillary spikes pierce the bottom of the bag and deliver moisture and nutrients directly to the roots.
• Raising seedlings and microgreens - once the capillary mat is inserted, Tray2Grow becomes a propagation unit: it holds up to four seed trays (included) or two microgreens trays.
• Flower pots - place any number of plastic or fabric pots with drainage holes on the capillary mat, and each plant takes exactly as much water as it needs.
• Large fabric planter - for large plants and root vegetables, you can add the optional fabric planter 93x33x35 cm to the system.
• Growing mats - also compatible with coconut or mineral mats, which are watered in the same way as growing bags.

How Tray2Grow works

The heart of the system is the patented AQUAvalve5 valve. As soon as the plants use up all the water from the tray, the valve opens and fills it to a preset level of around 20 mm; then it closes and opens again only once the tray is empty. It is not a float valve - it does not maintain the level continuously, but creates a wet and dry cycle that supports healthy roots and saves up to 50% of water and fertiliser. The whole operation is quiet and self-sufficient.

Smart design features

• three built-in circular spirit levels for precise levelling of the tray
• guide holes on the sides for support poles for taller plants
• overflow plug - outdoors you remove it to drain rainwater, indoors you leave it in place
• self-adhesive copper tape against slugs
• root control sheet with a copper layer prevents roots from growing through to the valve

Setup and start-up

Place the tray on a flat and firm surface and level it according to the spirit level (the circular spirit levels on the tray will help) - do not place it on gravel, as it will slide. When using pots, seed trays or trays, always pre-soak the capillary mat and the root control sheet. Loosen and perforate the growing bag from underneath before inserting it. The configuration with the growing bag and spikes is started gradually: first water the plants by hand and allow them to root for around 7 days, then switch the reservoir on and off for about three weeks until the plants establish. You can start the other configurations straight after assembly.

Fertilising

Tray2Grow not only waters plants, but also fertilises them - add liquid or soluble fertiliser to the reservoir and the distribution system delivers it to the plants. If the substrate contains its own nutrient reserve, supply only clean water for the first few weeks and add fertiliser gradually. First dissolve powdered fertilisers in warm water. When topping up the reservoir, first close the tap, add water and fertiliser, wait 30-60 minutes for the particles to settle, and only then open the tap.

Reservoir

The reservoir is not included. You can use any solid container; the recommended minimum volume is 47 l. A 47 l reservoir supplies one Tray2Grow for around 14-28 days depending on plant size and weather. The water temperature in the reservoir should be kept around 18-21 degrees C; in hot weather, shade the reservoir or cover it with a light-coloured lid.

Care of the AQUAvalve5 valve

At the end of the season, wash the valve in warm soapy water (an old toothbrush helps) and flush the distribution system. Remove limescale from the nozzle with a paper clip or blow it out; never clean the nozzle with a drill - you would destroy the valve. Clean the reservoir and filter before every third refill during continuous operation.

Contents of the package

• 1x Tray2Grow tray with lid
• 1x AQUAvalve5 valve, 2x 9 mm grommet, 1 m of 9 mm tubing
• 1x 16-9 mm Click-Fit filter, 1x 9 mm Golf filter, 1x 9 mm in-line tap, 1x 9 mm Tee
• 3x circular spirit level, 10x capillary spike, 10x capillary strip
• 1x capillary mat, 1x root control sheet, 4x seed tray
• 1x 6 mm overflow plug, 1x copper tape against slugs

Accessories and extensions

You can add a replacement capillary mat, root control sheet, seed trays and a seed tray lid to the system for germination under humidity. For microgreens, choose the microgreens tray, and for large plants the fabric planter 93x33x35 cm. You can find the Tray2Grow Tray&Lid tray itself and other parts in the Tray2Grow category.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy a reservoir for the system?

Yes, the reservoir is not included. Any solid container with a recommended volume of at least 47 l is sufficient; a 47 l reservoir will supply one Tray2Grow for around 14-28 days.

Does the tray have to be exactly level?

Yes. Correct AQUAvalve5 function depends on a level surface - that is why there are three circular spirit levels in the tray. Do not place it on gravel or a soft base that may settle.

When should the system be switched on?

With growing bags and spikes, first allow the plants to root, then switch the reservoir on and off intermittently for around three weeks. In the other configurations, you can start the system straight after assembly.