How to grow organically using AutoPots

Growing organically with AutoPots is simple.  When you unpack the 15L AutoPot range you will find 2 types of fabric.  One is a black marix cloth that can be put into the pot and the other we call a Root Control Disk and is a copper or Gold cloth or sock that is impregnated with copper.  Roots do not like copper and will not grow into this cloth  The Root Control Disk will help keep the tray clear of any roots that may inhibit the AQUAvalve from functioning correctly.

One you have the cloths in place always put always put a layer of 3-5cm of gravel, perlite or pH stable clay balls in the base of you pot to ensure the drainage is good.

Fill the remaining pot with a good quality organic certified potting mix.  Ensure the potting mix has a wicking ability to ensure it will capillary the water.  If the mix looks too dry you can add some peat or coir fibre to hold the moisture. Plants do best with air around their roots so also check the potting mix has something to hold air pockets.  Ideally the potting mix should have a slow release type fertiliser.

Always put healthy plants into your AutoPot.  Plant your seedling into the pot and top water it for the first 7-10 days to ensure it is well established.  Use the AutoPot Cloche covers if your plant is small as this will create a micro climate for the smaller plants.

Once the plant is established turn your AutoPot system on.

After 4-6 weeks you may find that the food available to the plant in the potting mix has been depleted.  To feed your organic plant you need to 

• Turn the system off
• Wait till the plant has used the water from the tray
• Top feed using a liquid organic feed until you can see it in the tray
• Wait until the plant has taken up the moisture from the tray
• Turn the system back on

Organic feeding in this way can be done as required.  Remember that some plants (like lettuce and herbs) are low feeders and may not need to be fed this way very often.

Cleaning your system during a growth cycle

Always flush you piping with cold water when refilling the tank and cleaning the trays.  If you have clogging in your pipes you can flush these with a 3% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide – available from the chemist - but flush this with water afterwards.