AutoPot Hydroponic Systems for Economical Operation and High Yields
From greenhouses in your garden through grow tents to entire acres of commercial growing areas – AutoPot hydroponic systems are used everywhere. In this article, we will introduce the individual product ranges from the British manufacturer in detail, including maintenance-free systems and the latest innovations, so that you know which irrigation system for growing herbs, fruit or vegetables will suit you best. From experience, we know that every 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 consumption by 50%, while also substantially increasing yields.
What do AutoPot irrigation systems have in common? It is certainly their ability to consistently meet the requirements 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 irrigation and receives fresh water enriched with nutrients exactly when it truly needs it. And that is a great advantage in hydroponics, whether you grow your plants on a small or large scale.
Important notice: The basic prerequisite for successful growing with AutoPot hydroponic systems is following the instructions in the manufacturer's manual (pp. 6 - 12). According to these instructions, it is especially important to prepare the substrate properly substrate, meaning to layer it, mix it, etc. It is also essential to water the plants from above for the first 7 - 14 days and only switch the system on once the plants have rooted through. In Czech, based on the manufacturer's manual, we have prepared Tips for growing with AutoPot irrigation systems, which will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
AQUAvalve5
This unique technology, suitable for mineral and organic plant nutrition alike, controls the flow of water to the plants after connection to the water supply by means of simple gravity pressure from the reservoir. The needs of growers naturally evolve under the influence of increasingly diverse options for plant nutrition, and this is exactly what the 66% larger inlet responds to, speeding up the flow of nutrient solution, regardless of which hydroponic fertilisers are dissolved in the water. This reduces the risk of hose blockages (especially with organic plant nutrition, which would not be realistic in hydroponics without this technology) as well as the overall maintenance demands of the system.
Regular cleaning of the system ensures proper operation and a long service life. If you use organic fertilisers, do not forget that after your plants have used up the contents of the reservoir with nutrient solution, the entire AutoPot system must be thoroughly cleaned after switching off the valve and disconnecting it from the reservoir, and the hoses must then be flushed (see manufacturer's catalogue p. 8). If you use mineral fertilisers, it is not necessary to clean the reservoir after every emptying.
Hydroponics + AutoPot = joy from 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 various categories:
- Healthier, heavier and more productive plants that receive fresh nutrients exactly at the right time.
- No more daily watering. You can leave AutoPot completely unattended for several weeks, so no holiday or business trip will stand in the way of your passion for growing plants.
- Economical operation without the need for power. AutoPot hydroponic systems do not require electricity, a pump, a timer or water piping.
- Environmental sustainability. With AutoPot systems, you do not waste water. Water and nutrients are always used to the maximum.
- Universal use. Whether you are growing ornamental plant species or planning to harvest tasty edible crops or medicinal herbs, you can grow any variety you want in AutoPot systems. The same applies to the growing medium. AutoPot hydroponic systems are extremely versatile in this respect too. It is enough for the chosen substrate to have good absorption properties and be sufficiently aerated. Aeration is ensured by adding perlite, and in Autopot systems a 50% mix of perlite or expanded clay with coconut fibre or soil mix has proven effective. We especially recommend high-quality buffered and stabilised coco from a renowned 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 is high time to introduce the individual product ranges from the comprehensive assortment that offers options for every grower.
Within the individual types of AutoPot hydro systems, we begin with this range, which has won over the hearts of home and urban growers in particular, not only in the United Kingdom. These are economical and modular, simple self-watering systems.
The difference between the classic version and the XL version lies in the volume and design of the pots – complete square 15-litre, or 25-litre square pots with a round base.
A major advantage of the 1Pot system is its ease of use, which is why, 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 a common part of the growing arsenal of much more experienced fans of hydroponic plant cultivation on the way to above-standard yields and a rewarding harvest.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of the AutoPot 1Pot systems, and at the same time another reason why professional growers also use them with enthusiasm, is the possibility of easily expanding each system with additional growing containers connected to a reservoir with nutrient solution.
That is precisely where their magic lies, in our view. As a beginner grower who needs to get to grips with the basic hydroponic principles with the first crop, you can start with a single plant or just a few plants in combination with a small reservoir and then, because appetite grows with eating, expand the whole system in line with increasing needs with additional pots, of which there can easily be 50 or even 100 in combination with a large reservoir. Commercial growers use even more, so the possibilities do not end at one hundred. The images clearly illustrate the expansion options of these exceptionally popular modular systems. Shown are three of the best-selling sets with 4, 12 and 48 pots, which is always matched by the volume of the reservoir or Flexitank.
The maintenance-free Easy2grow hydroponic systems, which again rely only on gravity pressure, are perfect for a grow tent, greenhouse, polytunnel and garden. They are also the answer to the question of how and in what to grow delicious strawberries or other popular types of fruit and vegetables without wasting a single drop of water. It is no coincidence that, on a global scale, these are the best-selling systems from AutoPot!
As with the 1Pot product range, we also encounter the possibility of expanding the entire system depending on the increasing demands and experience of each grower. Since the basic model consists of a pair of growing containers, the entire growing system can always be expanded by an even number of additional pots. As for their number, the possibilities are again almost unlimited. For illustration, we present an image of the easy2grow system with 6 pots, which, together with the basic module, is among the most popular for home growing of various types of crops. The diagram shows the possible layout of this system.
What characterises the Autopot Easy2grow hydroponic systems?
- Phenomenal efficiency. And of two kinds. The first advantage is spatial efficiency. Make the best possible use of the space in your grow box or greenhouse! And easy2grow also brings growers maximum growing efficiency during the initial growth phase of mature plants, which do not suffer from a lack of space, while the above-mentioned AutoPot AQUAvalve technology ensures that they are fed and watered exactly as needed.
- Variability. Thanks to the almost unlimited expansion options of the growing system in terms of the total number of modules connected to the reservoir with nutrient solution, and thanks to the option of choosing 8.5-litre or 15-litre pots, you can easily alternate the crops grown.
Maximum space for the growth of your plants and minimal maintenance demands. That is, in brief, how the so-called AutoPot Tray systems can be characterised.
This type of hydroponic system is suitable for every stage of mature plant growth. You will recognise it by the fact that several pots are placed in one reservoir with a top cover, while all the pots that are part of the given tray system are served by a single AQUAvalve valve. Depending on the number of pots and the appropriate reservoir volume, AutoPot tray systems are available in three variants:
- AutoPot Auto3 XL system incl. 50L Flexitank
- AutoPot Auto8 system incl. 100L Flexitank
- AutoPot Auto9 XL system incl. 100L Flexitank
What are their biggest advantages?
- 100% use of growing space. Watering a larger number of pots in one set using a single AQUAvalve valve means a radical reduction in the footprint of the hydroponic system. Make use of all the growing space you have available without having to worry about access to individual growing containers with a saucer. That is why these AutoPot hydroponic systems excel in confined spaces!
- Minimal operating and maintenance demands. These “reservoir systems” allow growers to water plants with zero run-off. This means they do not require waste water piping, and for plants arranged relatively close together, a smaller amount of light is also needed. Fewer valves and fittings therefore significantly reduce both the maintenance demands of these systems and the overall water consumption.
- Design tailored to plant health. All AutoPot tray systems have a specially shaped base that minimises the proportion of standing water. The lid blocks light, and dirt is trapped right at the inlet to the reservoir.
Are you growing fast-growing plants or leafy greens? With its new product range AQUAplate, AutoPot offers growers the possibility of cultivating plants without substrate. Give your plants direct access to nutrient-rich water, which is important for their proper development!
As you can see in the image, the AQUAplate range includes two types of modules: square and round. In practice, both modules are simply connected to a reservoir with nutrient solution (see below) and you can happily grow! Another undeniable advantage of these modules is their low purchase price.
Using AQUAplate modules in practice is very easy. The plant is first placed into the black neoprene collar. (An alternative to the AutoPot collar can be the so-called root plug, or a young plant rooted in a propagation medium.) A blue foam disc is inserted into the bottom of the special perforated pot. The plant secured in the neoprene collar is then placed into the upper part of the pot. After that, you only need to place the prepared pots onto the module itself and connect it to the reservoir with nutrient solution.
This inexpensive and flexible irrigation system, which you can assemble in no time, allows you to turn any growing tray into an autonomous AutoPot system!
- The easy2GO irrigation kit can be extra easy to install anywhere: in your home, greenhouse, conservatory or even on a terrace.
- This AutoPot irrigation kit is perfect for classic holiday watering of plants and, unlike other products for this purpose, you will return from holiday to vital plants.
- The easy2Go kit is the ideal solution for hobby growers who want to use very large pots or simply maintain several smaller pots, watered using a single reservoir of nutrient solution.
- 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.
If it is a reservoir for a larger hydroponic system, then FlexiTank. Why? Besides the fact that it is a revolutionary approach to storing water, including rainwater, and above all the world's best-selling foldable reservoirs, which of course must have its reasons, it is especially important to highlight the following features of these unique, flexible reservoirs:
- Lightweight yet durable construction and outer shell.
- Easy assembly within a few minutes. No additional tools are needed for assembly and commissioning.
- Lower storage and transport costs.
- High level of sealing.
- A wide range of designs for every growing space. FlexiTank flexible reservoirs are available in volume variants from 25 up to 1,000 litres, with the smaller 25-litre and 50-litre reservoirs in particular fitting practically anywhere a quality water reservoir is needed. These variants are made so that no growing space is too small for Autopot hydroponic systems.
The more demanding customer will appreciate the improved FlexiTank PRO range, which stands out through the combination of clean design, perfect form and functionality. The “pro FlexiTanks”, defined by their light-coloured design, offer growers even greater possibilities regardless of climate, which is why they are especially worthwhile for outdoor plant growing. FlexiTank PRO foldable water reservoirs offer the following advantages:
- They are reflective and light-tight.
- They have an ultra-strong 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).
The foldable water reservoirs in the PRO version are available in three sizes:
Keep the nutrient solution in the reservoir at the correct values for up to a week longer!
Do you know the water mixer for reservoirs? It is a gadget without which experienced growers can hardly imagine hydroponics any more. Besides preventing the degradation of the nutrient solution, the reservoir water mixer also supports its oxygenation.
Original AutoPot accessories available
The range from the British brand AutoPot also includes all the accessories that may come in handy when growing plants using hydroponics.
The number one choice for indoor and outdoor irrigation
Finally, we would like to remind you of what we mentioned at the beginning. All AutoPot irrigation systems require zero power and you really do not need pumps, timers or any other devices to operate them, while also being able to leave them unattended for several weeks. All that is needed for their operation is gravity pressure from a water reservoir. In short, power-free growing. That is why the AutoPot range has gradually surpassed other market leaders, and growers are more and more delighted with it with every harvest!
AUTOPOT RECOMMENDS
AutoPot Airdome is used for better oxygenation of the root zone. It is an inexpensive and indispensable accessory for AutoPot systems, and using it increases yields by up to 130%! What is more, you can assemble it in half a minute.
The British manufacturer recommends Dutch Biotabs fertilisers to all growers who prefer natural plant nutrition. When using Biotabs, nutrients are delivered directly to the pots and the reservoir is then filled only with adjusted water.
These products are very interesting in themselves, and they also work perfectly with AutoPot irrigation systems. The same applies to the brands Canna and BioBizz. AutoPot also maintains a long-term partnership with BudBox, the British number one manufacturer of grow tents. AutoPot also partners with Lumatek - the obvious choice for artificial lighting, for example in a BudBox grow tent.
We will be happy to help you choose the right equipment from AutoPot's comprehensive range to suit your growing plans and needs. So do not hesitate to ask us anything at the well-known address info@higarden.cz.
We also recommend these products:
- Autopot Aquabox Spyder plain for growing in raised beds!
- Shogun fertilisers
- BioNova Starter pack AutoFlower Supermix
What to read next:
- The best fans for a grow box: EC or AC?
- How to grow outdoor?
- SHOGUN: the best British fertilisers with an emphasis on research