Tips for growing with AutoPot irrigation systems

AutoPot hydroponic systems win you over thanks to their ease of use and low maintenance. Hydroponics is a cultivation method associated with the prospect of abundant yields. To help your popular AutoPot self-watering systems deliver the best results, we have prepared several practical tips and pieces of information for you in this article.

TIP No. 1

• All AutoPot irrigation systems and modules are supplied with root control.
• Depending on the specific system or module, root control can consist of a combination of PotSock (copper sleeve), Root Control Disc (RCD) and Marix Disc, which are used in the following configurations:
  • 1Pot: Marix Disc in the pot, RCD in the reservoir (gold face up)
  • easy2grow: Marix Disc in the pot, PotSock at the base of the pot (gold face up)
  • XL: RCD in gold finish face down
  • XL FlexiPot: PotSock at the base of the pot (gold face up)

TIP No. 2

To ensure excellent growing results it is strongly recommended to place expanded clay (hydroton) (clay pebbles) with a stable pH at the bottom of each pot, or alternatively 1" (25 mm) Growstones or washed gravel. On top of that place your chosen substrate and water it.

TIP No. 3

If you use the AirDome as a small and inexpensive add-on that can increase your yields by up to 130%, when combined with large systems consider using larger air pumps that allow you to connect a 16mm tube (standard hose). Mirror the water feed and reduce the tubing to 6 mm at each AirDome connection using AutoPot fittings. Never blow cold air into the root zone—only warm air.

TIP No. 4

For hydroponic cultivation of more than six plants consider using a larger reservoir and supply water with a 16mm tube (standard hose), which is reduced to 9 mm at each AQUAvalve connection using AutoPot fittings. You can find fittings and other genuine AutoPot accessories HERE.

TIP No. 5

Always clean the wall and bottom of each pot before placing it in the tray to remove any debris and ensure your hydroponic system stays clean. It is also important to keep your AQUAvalve clean.

TIP No. 6

AutoPot irrigation systems equipped with AQUAvalve5 with 9mm tubing and fittings can be used to supply plants with mineral or organic fertilisers via the reservoir and piping. Organic fertilisers will require a water pump in the reservoir running for 15 minutes every 2 hours and cleaning the reservoir, pump and filter each time the reservoir is emptied. Whenever the reservoir is emptied, flush the piping with clean water.

TIP No. 7

Remember that before you switch the AutoPot irrigation system on, it is very important to allow your plants to settle after you water them and place them into the pots. The ideal settling time depends on many factors, including the plant species, its size and the temperature and humidity—i.e. the microclimate in the growing environment. Generally this time ranges from 5–21 days depending on container size, but if you are unsure simply lift the growing container in your hands. If it is heavy, it still contains a lot of moisture. If not, switch the AutoPot hydroponic system on.

TIP No. 8

Never place an air stone into the reservoir. It would likely increase the pH of the water. A small water pump will serve you better in this case, although neither device is strictly necessary.

TIP No. 9

To keep your piping free of deposits, make sure you have a tap at its end that should be opened every few weeks and the water allowed to run into a prepared container for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

TIP No. 10

Raise the reservoir at least 150 mm above the floor and refill it when about one third of the water remains... Never allow the reservoir to run empty.

TIP No. 11

Always use a filter for each reservoir. Filters should be checked once a month and cleaned if necessary.

TIP No. 12

Always ensure the AQUAvalve is secured to the tray to prevent it from floating when the tray is flooded. If you use trays designed for AutoPot, simply place the AQUAvalve half-moon over the T connector and push down firmly. If you use an AQUAvalve in a garden tray, place the newly designed AQUAvalve MK2 cover over the AQUAvalve.

TIP No. 13

We do not recommend placing trays on cold concrete floors, as this cools the water from below and can negatively affect plant growth. Consider placing polystyrene, cardboard or similar insulating material under each tray to ensure the water temperature is not affected this way. If necessary, trays can be raised above the floor.

TIP No. 14

Flushing is not necessary for AutoPot hydroponic systems. Simply refill the reservoir with clean water. If required, adjust the pH and 7–14 days before harvest let your plants “drink” only water.

TIP No. 15

Placing small seedlings directly into pots is not recommended. Water only properly established plants.

TIP No. 16

When plants are small and exposed, consider placing a humidity dome/lid over each plant to retain humidity around the plant and speed growth.

TIP No. 17

In extreme cases of nutrient overfeeding, pour several litres of water with balanced pH into the pot and allow it to drain. Resume feeding at half-strength for one week.

The tips above should help you enjoy using AutoPot hydroponic systems in practice and get the most efficient results. Whether you are considering buying one of the modules or already have one at home, feel free to ask us anything about using or choosing an AutoPot system at the usual address info@higarden.cz.

We recommend these products:

• AutoPot Easy2grow 20 pots incl. 225L Flexitank (10 390 Kč)
• AutoPot 1Pot system 12 pots incl. 225L Flexitank (10 890 Kč)
• AutoPot Easy2grow 6 pots incl. 47L plastic reservoir (2 890 Kč)

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