AutoPot Easy2grow Kit incl. 47L plastic tank

Product detailed description

AutoPot Easy2grow Kit - starter set for 2 plants, weeks without attention

Would you like to try self-watering without complicated pipework and electricity? AutoPot Easy2grow Kit is the easiest entry into the world of AutoPot: two square 8.5 l pots share one tray and one AQUAvalve valve, which waters and feeds the plants completely automatically. It is suitable for growing any plants, for food and decorative purposes, and you can always expand it into a larger set with the Extension Kit.

In the price you get a complete module including the tank - you do not need electricity, timers or pumps, everything is handled by gravity pressure from the tank. The basis of the system is the same as with larger sets, so later expansion is just a matter of adding a module.

How the watering works

Each pair of pots shares one tray (2Pot tray) and is controlled by one AQUAvalve valve. After connection to the tank, the valve opens the supply and lets the tray fill with water to the preset level - by gravity only, without pumps, mains pressure, electricity or timers. Until the plants use up the water from the tray, AQUAvalve does not allow any further refill. The plants therefore go through a wet and dry cycle, which supports healthy roots; once the tray is empty, the process repeats.

Recommended substrates

Always use a freely draining substrate in Easy2grow pots. The following 50% / 50% mixes have proven themselves:

• Mix of soil and perlite - 50/50
• Mix of soil and expanded clay - 50/50
• Mix of coconut fibre and perlite - 50/50
• Mix of coconut fibre and expanded clay - 50/50
• Mix of Rockwool and expanded clay - 50/50

If you use expanded clay, rinse the pebbles with water first - some types are not pH stable and may raise the pH of the water in the tray. Before placing the pots into the tray, clean the bottom and sides of substrate; this will maintain the correct function of the AQUAvalve valve.

Tank setup and start-up

Place the tank (47l tank) at least 150 mm above the highest AQUAvalve valve. If the water level falls to 1/3 of the original volume, top it up - and never let the tank dry out completely. After planting, water the plants and let them root for 7-10 days; only then start the system. A stronger root system will then take care of the water from the tray itself. The square base of the 8.5 l pots fits well into the tray, and the set of two pots on one tray saves space in a row.

For placing the tank, the Garland plastic stool is suitable - it raises it to the required height above the valves.

Mineral and organic fertilisers

You can dose mineral and organic fertilisers through the tank and pipework. With organic fertilisers, also add a water pump to the tank (run 15 min every 2 h) so that the nutrients do not settle, and each time the tank is emptied, flush the pipework and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is the simplest and maintenance-free.

Care of the AQUAvalve valve

AQUAvalve is a simple but very effective device that requires careful handling - keep the valve and tray clean and free of obstructions. At the end of the season, wash the valve in warm soapy water (an old toothbrush helps). Push limescale in the nozzle through with a paper clip or blow it out; never clean it with a drill - you would destroy the valve. The silicone on the upper float must sit parallel to the opening; check this at eye level.

Contents of the pack

• 1x 47l tank
• 1x easy2grow module (2x 8.5 l pot, 1x Easy2grow tray, 1x Easy2grow lid)
• 1x Easy2grow pack (AQUAvalve5 cam, PotSock Square, marix disc, pipework, grommets and connectors)
• instructions for use

Expansion and accessories

You can expand the system over time with the easy2grow Extension Kit (two 8.5 l pots), add replacement pots as 8.5 l pot and get missing parts in the accessory box for 12 pots. For a cleaner tray and healthy roots, choose the PotSock Square, a copper sleeve for the bottom of a square pot; for seedlings and early stages, the propagation cover is suitable.

You can also buy the tank separately - as a 47 litre tank with lid.

Which size to choose

This set serves 2 plants. Adjacent sizes: larger, such as Easy2grow for 4 pots. The body of the system is the same for all sizes, only the number of modules and the tank volume differ - take a look at the full easy2grow range.

Frequently asked questions

Why two pots on one valve?

The Easy2grow set shares one tray and one AQUAvalve valve for two plants. Thanks to this, it has the lowest price and water consumption per plant in the whole AutoPot range and takes up less space in a row.

Which substrate is suitable for Easy2grow?

Always a freely draining 50/50 mix - soil/perlite, soil/expanded clay, coconut/perlite, coconut/expanded clay or Rockwool/expanded clay. Drainage is key for alternating wet and dry cycles.

Can I use organic fertilisers?

Yes. Dose organics with a water pump in the tank (run 15 min every 2 h) and each time the tank is emptied, flush the pipework and clean the tank, pump and filter. With mineral fertilisers, operation is maintenance-free.