Top "crust"

Silky T

Silky T

Well-Known Member
My plants, even after watering, have this hard surface and I'm wondering if my roots are like getting strangled from this. Is this normal for an outdoor grow? I saw a video the other day where this guy had a huge plant in a pot and the roots made like a visible "mat" across the top, sooooo. All my other regular plants still have the loose soil that is moist. Oh, otherwise, my plants look great! But what if they were in looser soil; could they look even better?

Concerned.
 
HydroKid239

HydroKid239

Well-Known Member
Drainage is essential indoors.. can't think it would be different outdoors. The roots needs to get proper o2
 
Silky T

Silky T

Well-Known Member
HydroKid239 said:
Drainage is essential indoors.. can't think it would be different outdoors. The roots needs to get proper o2
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They get proper drainage, into a tray at the bottom. I have bottles (Dr. Pepper, 16 oz I think) with the premix water and give them each a bottle in the morning and sometimes at night. I actually pour the liquid til I see it come out the bottom. Sometimes I let them rest overnight and just give it to them in the morning. Depends on the weather and how they look. No, they are not on a strict watering schedule but it's working so far. I'm outside so it varies.
 
HydroKid239

HydroKid239

Well-Known Member
Silky T said:
They get proper drainage, into a tray at the bottom. I have bottles (Dr. Pepper, 16 oz I think) with the premix water and give them each a bottle in the morning and sometimes at night. I actually pour the liquid til I see it come out the bottom. Sometimes I let them rest overnight and just give it to them in the morning. Depends on the weather and how they look. No, they are not on a strict watering schedule but it's working so far. I'm outside so it varies.
Click to expand...
ok. I smoked earlier, so I immediately thought they were in ground when you mentioned outdoors. Sorry lol I'm better now :dunce:
 
MajorCoco

MajorCoco

Well-Known Member
My soil gets quite crusty between watering. But as soon as it's damp the water soaks straight through without really sitting on top. Does water sit on top of your soil even when it's already well dampened? If it doesn't then I wouldn't worry about it. If the water can get through then as long as it's draining properly, and you are drying out in between the O2 will get through too.

If you're really worried about O2 get fabric pots.....

One thing though. It doesn't sound like you're leaving any time for the soil to dry out between waterings. That is pretty when it comes to soil aeration!
 
HydroKid239

HydroKid239

Well-Known Member
MajorCoco said:
My soil gets quite crusty between watering. But as soon as it's damp the water soaks straight through without really sitting on top. Does water sit on top of your soil even when it's already well dampened? If it doesn't then I wouldn't worry about it. If the water can get through then as long as it's draining properly, and you are drying out in between the O2 will get through too.

If you're really worried about O2 get fabric pots.....

One thing though. It doesn't sound like you're leaving any time for the soil to dry out between waterings. That is pretty when it comes to soil aeration!
Click to expand...
I'm using coco loco mixed with 30% chunky perlite and when I water it goes right thru the top layer and sinks in. Top stays dry.
This has helped plenty with pests.
 
HydroKid239

HydroKid239

Well-Known Member
I know that wasn't for me... just chiming in with what I use and it works great. I use fabric pots and I use their weight to determine when to water as well.
 
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