AutoPots Newbie - At what point can I stop top watering and turn on the autpots?

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Prodigus

Well-Known Member
I had read that you need to top water until the roots get to the bottom before you turn on your autopots. I put the seedlings into Dixie cups and then transplanted those into the 3.9 gallon autopots 12 days ago. Since I'm not Superman and don't have x-ray vision, what is the general thinking around when those roots will reach a point that I can turn on these new contraptions? It was my new edition this year and wanted to get them going but want to do it right.. LOL

The roots had DEFINITELY reach the bottom of the Dixie cups before I transplanted them.. One pic is from the day of transplant 12 days ago and the other is from 5 minutes ago.

Thanks!
 

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J2M3S

J2M3S

Well-Known Member
Prodigus said:
I had read that you need to top water until the roots get to the bottom before you turn on your autopots. I put the seedlings into Dixie cups and then transplanted those into the 3.9 gallon autopots 12 days ago. Since I'm not Superman and don't have x-ray vision, what is the general thinking around when those roots will reach a point that I can turn on these new contraptions? It was my new edition this year and wanted to get them going but want to do it right.. LOL

The roots had DEFINITELY reach the bottom of the Dixie cups before I transplanted them.. One pic is from the day of transplant 12 days ago and the other is from 5 minutes ago.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Seems like you are missing some hardware. bongsmilie
autopot-usa.com

Power Free, Indoor & Outdoor Irrigation - AutoPot Watering Systems USA

AutoPot supplies simple to use automatic watering systems that can be used either as a hydroponic system or as a traditional soil irrigation system. Indoor growing and greenhouse crops can be produced with ease.
autopot-usa.com autopot-usa.com
 
Last edited:
P

Prodigus

Well-Known Member
J2M3S said:
Seems like you are missing some hardware. bongsmilie
autopot-usa.com

Power Free, Indoor & Outdoor Irrigation - AutoPot Watering Systems USA

AutoPot supplies simple to use automatic watering systems that can be used either as a hydroponic system or as a traditional soil irrigation system. Indoor growing and greenhouse crops can be produced with ease.
autopot-usa.com autopot-usa.com
Click to expand...
Which part am I missing? I have the autopot system. I just read that since this is bottom feeding and uses capillary action to draw the water up that you need the roots to get down to where the water will be provided. Ohhhhh, you mean I don't have them on the autopots "now". No, they are in the autopots but I don't have the other pieces in the tent yet as they won't work yet or at least I think I have to wait for the roots to stretch down there. I have it all ready to go. LOL
 
Billy the Mountain

Billy the Mountain

Well-Known Member
Prodigus said:
I had read that you need to top water until the roots get to the bottom before you turn on your autopots. I put the seedlings into Dixie cups and then transplanted those into the 3.9 gallon autopots 12 days ago. Since I'm not Superman and don't have x-ray vision, what is the general thinking around when those roots will reach a point that I can turn on these new contraptions? It was my new edition this year and wanted to get them going but want to do it right.. LOL

The roots had DEFINITELY reach the bottom of the Dixie cups before I transplanted them.. One pic is from the day of transplant 12 days ago and the other is from 5 minutes ago.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
For another data point, when I transplant from solo cup sized grow bags to 2 gal fabric pots, I see roots protruding through the pot in ~5 days. I would expect similar growth rates in an autopot.

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Star Dog

Star Dog

Well-Known Member
I feel the weight of the pot to gauge how much they're using.

You can sit the pots in the tray and feed them from the bottom by turning the system on for 10/15 mins then off again.

I try to avoid heavy top feeding it tends to compress air out of the medium, after re potting I only feed the root ball from the top and let it wick out into the fresh medium + feed from the bottom.
20240418_125940.jpg
The weight of the pot imo is the best guide for turning it on.

Another option is just turn it on and leave it, ive had nice results just re potting and turning it on.
Screenshot_20240207_162003_Gallery.jpg
 
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turk420

Member
I was told when the plant is the size of the pot used, turn on the system, As above so is below. That general rule has worked for me.
 
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