AutoPot Hydroponic Systems for Economical Operation and High Yields

From greenhouses in your garden through grow tents to entire acres of commercial growing space – hydroponic AutoPot systems AutoPot hydroponic systems find application everywhere. In this article we will present the individual product lines from the British manufacturer, including maintenance-free systems and the latest additions, in detail so you know which irrigation system to use best for growing herbs, fruit or vegetables. From experience we know each AutoPot hydroponic system has the potential to exceed the expectations with which a customer - grower purchases it. In short: less effort and higher yields!

It has been proven that AutoPot systems reduce water and nutrient use by 50% while significantly increasing yields.

What do AutoPot irrigation systems have in common? Certainly the ability to consistently meet the needs of individual plants. The result is healthy and even development. AutoPot systems using AQUAvalve technology are the only irrigation systems of their kind in the world in which each individual plant controls its own watering and receives fresh nutrient-enriched water exactly when it actually needs it. And that is a big advantage in hydroponics, whether you grow your plants on a small or large scale.

Important notice: A basic prerequisite for successful growing with AutoPot hydroponic systems is following the instructions in the manufacturer's manual (pp. 6 - 12). According to these guidelines it is especially important to prepare the substrate correctly, meaning layering, mixing, etc. It is also essential to water plants from above for the first 7 - 14 days and only switch the system on after the plants have rooted through. In Czech we have prepared for you, based on the manufacturer's manual, Tips for growing with AutoPot irrigation systems to help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Hydroponics + AutoPot = joy from the results

Before we introduce the individual types of AutoPot hydroponic systems, here is a summary of the biggest benefits that AutoPot hydro systems, created for easy and successful hydroponics, bring to growers of all kinds:

• Healthier, heavier and more productive plants that receive fresh nutrients at the right time.
• No more daily watering. You can leave AutoPot completely unattended for several weeks, so no vacation or business trip will conflict with your passion for growing plants.
• Economical operation without the need for power. AutoPot hydroponic systems work without electricity, pumps, timers or plumbing.
• Environmental sustainability. AutoPot systems do not waste water. Water and nutrients are used to the maximum.
• Universal use. Whether you grow ornamental species or plan to harvest tasty edible crops or medicinal herbs, you can grow any variety in AutoPot systems. The same applies to the growing medium. AutoPot hydroponic systems are extremely versatile in this respect as well. The chosen substrate only needs good absorption and adequate aeration. Aeration is achieved by adding perlite, and a 50% mix of perlite or expanded clay (LECA) with coco or a soil mix works well in AutoPot systems. We especially recommend quality buffered and stabilized coco from a reputable manufacturer such as BioNova Cocomix Plus.

Now that you know why, like thousands of growers, we support the combination of hydroponics and the AutoPot brand, it's time to introduce the individual product lines from the comprehensive range that offers options for every grower.

1Pot and 1Pot XL

We will start with this series among the AutoPot hydro systems, which has won the hearts of home and urban growers, especially in the United Kingdom. These are economical, modular, simple self-watering systems.

The difference between the classic version and the XL version lies in the volume and design of the planters – a complete square 15-litre, or a 25-litre square with a round base.

A major advantage of the 1Pot system is ease of use, so (like the Easy2grow range below) it is a great choice for anyone starting with hydroponics. Thanks to their reliability and build quality they are also commonly part of the growing setup of much more experienced hydroponic growers on their way to above-average yields and joyful harvests.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of the AutoPot 1Pot systems, and another reason why professional growers often use them, is the possibility to easily expand any system with additional growing containers connected to the nutrient reservoir.

That is their charm in our view. As a beginner grower who needs to get a feel for the basics of hydroponic growing with the first crop, you can start with just one or a few pots combined with a small reservoir and then, as appetite grows, expand the system with additional pots — there can be 50 or even 100 in combination with a large reservoir. Commercial growers use even more; a hundred is not the limit. The images illustrate the expandability of these extremely popular modular systems. Shown are three best-selling sets with 4, 12 and 48 planters, with a correspondingly sized reservoir or Flexitank.

Easy2grow

The maintenance-free Easy2grow hydroponic systems, which also rely only on gravity, are perfect for a growbox, greenhouse, polytunnel or garden. They are also an answer to how and in what to grow delicious strawberries or other popular fruits and vegetables without wasting a single drop of water. It is no coincidence they are globally the best-selling systems from AutoPot!

As with the 1Pot product line, the Easy2grow system can also be expanded depending on the grower's increasing needs and experience. Since the basic model consists of a pair of growing pots, the whole system can always be expanded by an even number of additional planters. As for the number of pots, the possibilities are again almost unlimited. For illustration we show an easy2grow system with 6 planters, which, along with the base module, is among the most popular for home cultivation of various crops. The diagram shows layout options for this system.

What characterizes AutoPot Easy2grow hydroponic systems?

• Phenomenal efficiency. And in two ways. The first advantage is spatial efficiency. Use the space in your grow box or greenhouse as effectively as possible! Easy2grow also provide growers with maximum growing efficiency during the initial growth phase of mature plants, which do not suffer from lack of space, and the AutoPot AQUAvalve technology ensures they are fed and watered exactly as needed.
• Variability. Thanks to almost unlimited expansion options regarding the total number of modules connected to the nutrient reservoir, and the option to choose 8.5-litre or 15-litre planters, you can easily rotate crops.

Tray systems

Maximum growing area for your plants and minimal maintenance requirements. That briefly describes the so-called AutoPot Tray systems.

This type of hydroponic system is suitable for every stage of mature plant growth. You can recognize it by multiple planters placed in a single reservoir with a top cover, where all planters in the tray system are served by a single AQUAvalve. Depending on the number of planters and the appropriate reservoir volume, AutoPot tray systems are available in three variants:

1. AutoPot Auto3 XL system incl. 50L Flexitank
2. AutoPot Auto8 system incl. 100L Flexitank
3. AutoPot Auto9 XL system incl. 100L Flexitank

What are their biggest advantages?

• 100% use of growing space. Watering a larger number of planters in one setup using a single AQUAvalve drastically reduces the footprint of the hydroponic system. Use all the growing space you have without worrying about access to individual pots with saucers. That is why these AutoPot tray systems are excellent for confined spaces!
• Minimal operational and maintenance demands. These “reservoir systems” allow growers to irrigate plants with zero runoff. This means they do not require plumbing for waste water and plants arranged relatively close together also need less light. Fewer valves and fittings greatly reduce both maintenance requirements and overall water consumption.
• Design adapted for plant health. All AutoPot tray systems feature a specially shaped base that minimises standing water. The lid blocks light and debris is caught right at the reservoir inlet.

AQUAplate

Are you growing fast-growing plants or leafy greens? AutoPot's new product line AQUAplate offers growers the option to cultivate plants without substrate. Give your plants direct access to nutrient-rich water that is important for their proper development!

As you can see in the picture, the AQUAplate range includes two types of modules: square and round. Both modules are simply connected to a nutrient reservoir (see below) and you can start growing. These modules are also notable for their low purchase price.

AQUAplate modules? As you can see in the picture, the AQUAplate range includes two types of modules: square and round. Both modules are simply connected to a nutrient reservoir (see below) and you can start growing. These modules are also notable for their low purchase price.

Using the AQUAplate modules in practice is very simple. The plant is first placed into a black neoprene collar. (An alternative to the AutoPot collar can be a root plug, i.e. a young plant rooted in a propagation medium.) A blue foam disc is placed at the bottom of the special perforated pot. The plant fixed in the neoprene collar is then placed into the top of the pot. Finally, place the prepared pots onto the module and connect it to the nutrient reservoir.

Easy2GO kit

An inexpensive and flexible irrigation system that you assemble in no time, allowing you to turn any growing tray into an autonomous AutoPot system!

• The easy2GO irrigation kit can be easily installed anywhere: in your home, greenhouse, conservatory or on a terrace.
• This AutoPot irrigation kit is perfect for classic holiday plant watering and unlike other products for this purpose, you will return from vacation to vital plants.
• The easy2GO kit is an ideal solution for hobby growers who want to use very large pots or simply maintain several smaller pots irrigated from a single nutrient reservoir.
• The Easy2Go kit contains everything needed to connect to any water reservoir.
• You only need a water container with a minimum volume of 30 litres and a flat garden tray with a minimum depth of 30 mm.

FlexiTank and FlexiTank PRO

When it comes to a reservoir for a larger hydroponic system, think FlexiTank. Why? Besides being a revolutionary approach to storing water including rainwater, and above all the world's best-selling collapsible reservoirs, which must have reasons for their popularity, these unique flexible tanks offer the following features:

• Light but durable construction and casing.
• Easy assembly in just a few minutes. No additional tools are required to set up and put into operation.
• Lower storage and transport costs.
• High level of sealing.
• A wide range of designs for every growing space. FlexiTank flexible reservoirs are available in volumes from 25 to 1000 litres, with smaller 25-litre and 50-litre tanks able to fit practically anywhere a quality water reservoir is needed. These sizes are produced so that no growing space is too small for AutoPot hydroponic systems.

More demanding customers prefer the enhanced FlexiTank PRO range, which combines clean design, excellent form and functionality. The “Pro FlexiTanks”, defined by their light colour, offer growers even more possibilities regardless of climate, making them especially suitable for outdoor growing. FlexiTank PRO collapsible reservoirs offer the following advantages:

• They are reflective and light-proof.
• They have an ultra-sturdy design, eliminating the risk of tipping over.
• They feature internal capacity markings and hidden supports (see image).
• When folded they fit into a small box (see image).

FlexiTank PRO collapsible water reservoirs are available in three sizes:

• 100L
• 225L
• 400L

Keep the nutrient solution in the reservoir at the right values for up to a week longer!

Do you know the reservoir water stirrer? It's a gadget seasoned hydroponic growers can hardly imagine growing without. Besides preventing nutrient solution degradation, the reservoir water stirrer also promotes oxygenation.

Original AutoPot accessories available

The range from the British brand AutoPot also includes all the accessories you might need when growing plants using hydroponics.

The number one choice for indoor and outdoor irrigation

To conclude, we remind you of what we mentioned at the beginning. All AutoPot irrigation systems require zero power and indeed you do not need pumps, timers or any other devices to run them, allowing you to leave them unattended for several weeks. All they need is gravity pressure from the water reservoir. In short: energy-free growing. That's why the AutoPot range has gradually surpassed other market leaders and growers are increasingly delighted with it after every harvest!

AUTOPOT RECOMMENDS

AutoPot Airdome serves to better oxygenate the root zone. It is an inexpensive and indispensable addition to AutoPot systems, whose use increases yields by up to 130%! Additionally, you can assemble it in half a minute.

The British manufacturer recommends Dutch Biotabs fertilizers to all growers who prefer natural plant nutrition. When using Biotabs, nutrients are delivered directly into the planters and the reservoir is then filled only with adjusted water.

These products are interesting on their own and work perfectly with AutoPot irrigation systems. The same applies to brands like Canna and BioBizz. AutoPot also maintains a long-term partnership with BudBox, the UK's number one grow tent manufacturer. AutoPot's partner for lighting is Lumatek - a clear choice for artificial lighting, for example in a BudBox growbox.

From AutoPot's comprehensive range we will gladly help you choose the right equipment tailored to your growing plans and needs. So do not hesitate to ask us anything at the usual address info@higarden.cz.

We also recommend these products:

• Autopot Aquabox Spyder plain for growing in raised beds!
• Shogun fertilizers
• BioNova Starter pack AutoFlower Supermix

What to read next:

• Best fans for the growbox: EC or AC?
• How to grow outdoor?
• SHOGUN: the best British fertilizers with an emphasis on research