SIP thread -- (Sub-Irrigated Planter)

[Rocket Soul]

Thanks, I missed that the first time and the second and third , Instructions at bottom for the people like me.

I might have to downsize the wicking pot size from 8" to 6" after reading the instructions but still not sure because my totes are 2x as big.

Or maybe throw some grow stones (I have lots of gs-2 grow stones on hand) on the side of the wicking basket in-between the baskets and burlap (maybe in its own burlap "pouch") to shrink the area of the wicking? I know the grow stones might wick themselves but it could shrink the wicking amount, but also would it be needed?



Instructions I missed...

Step 2. Fill the wicking basket with Grow Media at this time. Pack firmly into the basket until water seeps up into the top of the mix. Make a 1” to -1/2” high “cupcake” mound of the Grow Media above the wicking basket opening and thoroughly wet. This is VERY important to maintain wicking as the Grow Media settles in the wicking basket over time.

Step 3. Continue adding layers of the Grow Media thoroughly saturated with moisture, then stop when the Grow Media is within 4” from the top.

+1 on using a wick smaller than 6-8 inches. Generally the amount of wicking and thus the amount of water in your substrate is mostly related to (in order of importance according to MHO):
Wideness of wick
Distance between lowest level of soil and water surface (or better yet, lets say height of wick.)
How absorbent your wick material is.

I once used a pasta strainer with hydroton for wick; the plant was allways overwatered. I thought the material would make up for the wick being so big and wide but no.

 

[Tim Fox]

+1 on using a wick smaller than 6-8 inches. Generally the amount of wicking and thus the amount of water in your substrate is mostly related to (in order of importance according to MHO):
Wideness of wick
Distance between lowest level of soil and water surface (or better yet, lets say height of wick.)
How absorbent your wick material is.

I once used a pasta strainer with hydroton for wick; the plant was allways overwatered. I thought the material would make up for the wick being so big and wide but no.

yup, i am always surprised at how small the wicks are in my earthbox and grow box,

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

+1 on using a wick smaller than 6-8 inches. Generally the amount of wicking and thus the amount of water in your substrate is mostly related to (in order of importance according to MHO):
Wideness of wick
Distance between lowest level of soil and water surface (or better yet, lets say height of wick.)
How absorbent your wick material is.

I once used a pasta strainer with hydroton for wick; the plant was allways overwatered. I thought the material would make up for the wick being so big and wide but no.

Thanks for the info. Somehow my 8" wick is not getting enough water to the bed and can't figure out why. After doing a little research I found that water wicks to about 300mm (~12") over the reservoir water line. From the top of my dirt to the reservoir water line is slightly less than 12". Currently I have my soil in the wicking baskets, should I maybe put grow stones in the wicking basket? I have plenty of those on hand.

Also I started with dry dirt that I added some water too, doesn't feel completely dry now but doesn't feel too moist either.

How wet should dirt in a wicking bed feel?

 

[Rocket Soul]

Thanks for the info. Somehow my 8" wick is not getting enough water to the bed and can't figure out why. After doing a little research I found that water wicks to about 300mm (~12") over the reservoir water line. From the top of my dirt to the reservoir water line is slightly less than 12". Currently I have my soil in the wicking baskets, should I maybe put grow stones in the wicking basket? I have plenty of those on hand.

Also I started with dry dirt that I added some water too, doesn't feel completely dry now but doesn't feel too moist either.

How wet should dirt in a wicking bed feel?

When you say 8 inches do you mean wide or long? Wow, so many ways of making fun out of that phrase.

 

[Rocket Soul]

Thanks for the info. Somehow my 8" wick is not getting enough water to the bed and can't figure out why. After doing a little research I found that water wicks to about 300mm (~12") over the reservoir water line. From the top of my dirt to the reservoir water line is slightly less than 12". Currently I have my soil in the wicking baskets, should I maybe put grow stones in the wicking basket? I have plenty of those on hand.

Also I started with dry dirt that I added some water too, doesn't feel completely dry now but doesn't feel too moist either.

How wet should dirt in a wicking bed feel?

How far your water wicks depends on:
Width of wick
Distance from water level
Material of wick, how absorbent it is.

When you say 8 inch wicks it seems strange if you cannot get enough wicking if its the width.

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

When you say 8 inches do you mean wide or long? Wow, so many ways of making fun out of that phrase.

Trust me it is hard not to joke about my wick size.

It measures 8" wide and 6" tall

specs: http://www.dlwholesale.com/hydroponics/908118-8-mesh-pot-bucket-lid.asp?catid=A80156DF4C7B4A2A897B1AD7ED30DDC3

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

I might have an inch and a half between the h2o line and bottom of soil. It also has a lip that sticks up about a quarter of an inch. Should I measure at the top of the wick to extend the length?

 

[Rocket Soul]

Im already stoned and having a hard time to see your setup in front of me. It should be plenty as far as i know. Maybe your bed isnt wicking because you havent wet it properly, it needs a bit of moist to start wicking properly.

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

Im already stoned and having a hard time to see your setup in front of me. It should be plenty as far as i know. Maybe your bed isnt wicking because you havent wet it properly, it needs a bit of moist to start wicking properly.

I'm going to take your advice and whisper sweet nothings in the ear of my dry soil in hopes of making it moist enough to accept my 8" wick. Sorry, could help it...

 

[meangreengrowinmachine]

Thanks for the info. Somehow my 8" wick is not getting enough water to the bed and can't figure out why. After doing a little research I found that water wicks to about 300mm (~12") over the reservoir water line. From the top of my dirt to the reservoir water line is slightly less than 12". Currently I have my soil in the wicking baskets, should I maybe put grow stones in the wicking basket? I have plenty of those on hand.

Also I started with dry dirt that I added some water too, doesn't feel completely dry now but doesn't feel too moist either.

How wet should dirt in a wicking bed feel?

I may sound like a broken record but go and look at the section on the inntainer PDF I posted earlier that talks about filling the wick.. you should really be packing it with pete moss and packing it in the ENTIRE wick firmly while watering it and making sure it is very moist. Then you need a mound over the wick packed down and wet also. Setting up your wick properly and wetting your soil when initially making your SIP is very key.. I think more so then actual size of your wick... I have been using the inntainer method for ...at least 3 grows and it works hence why I follow it.

 

[Tim Fox]

I may sound like a broken record but go and look at the section on the inntainer PDF I posted earlier that talks about filling the wick.. you should really be packing it with pete moss and packing it in the ENTIRE wick firmly while watering it and making sure it is very moist. Then you need a mound over the wick packed down and wet also. Setting up your wick properly and wetting your soil when initially making your SIP is very key.. I think more so then actual size of your wick... I have been using the inntainer method for ...at least 3 grows and it works hence why I follow it.

Yup, what he just said

 

[meangreengrowinmachine]

Yup, what he just said

I think I need to post more pics so people know I am as legit as you Tim lol (-;

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

I definitely believe you're legit! I thoroughly wet my beds and am praying they will not be too wet. I have an idea to convert it to a 4" net pot if need be.

 

[Tim Fox]

I definitely believe you're legit! I thoroughly wet my beds and am praying they will not be too wet. I have an idea to convert it to a 4" net pot if need be.

i wonder if there is a way to meausre the moisture content of the soil ,, say in an earthbox, and then measure the moisture in a home made sip,, and make a comparision,, i have never seen anyone do such a thing, , i know with the covers on my earthbox/growbox,, if you lift the cover the surface soil is just slightly damp,, so the moisture does reach the top when covered, also earth boxes put the wicks on the outside edge,, not in the middle, i dont know if having 2 small wicks near the edge is better for some reason,, or ?

 

[Tstat]

also earth boxes put the wicks on the outside edge,, not in the middle,

Is that the same for the Growbox?

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

I think my design has to pivot but I see a feature from my 8" huge wick idea. I'm going to call it the ring of roots, hopefully, after I zip tie the cut out pieces back in I am hoping a nice ring of roots will appear. More holes will be drilled too.



For a wicking point I am thinking about 2 drainage pipes of 3-4" on on opposing diagonal corners, not sure on size. Also I am going to buy a bail of Sphagnum peat moss and add about a cubic foot to each tote, removing the same amount of soil. This is to ensure a good wicking action my first rodeo, size I think there is too much manure is my soil. I will probably throw some grow stones in there too (gs-2) with the peat moss.

What size wicking points would you pick as a preferred method for stereo wicks in this tote (27gal)?

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

Referring back to the inn-tainer instructions it says to use a 5" net pot but a 3" hole in the bottom of the tote. So I am guessing I might just go with the 5" net pot and 3" hole. Also maybe mimic the Growboxes and put the wicks on the same sides as the each other (long ways).

I think using two 5" netpots with 3" ports through the tote will be my course of action. Should I be worried about organic sphagnum peat moss at the big box stores (EX https://www.homedepot.com/p/3-cu-ft-Peat-Moss-3001-CFC003P/205883917 )?

 

[Tim Fox]

Is that the same for the Growbox?

yes, the grow box has 2 wicks, and they are spread left to right,, i really should take some pictures for you,, ill try and do that

 

[Tstat]

i really should take some pictures for you,, ill try and do that

If you want, but like I said, I am a month or so from purchasing. I'm just wondering if I should go all in on a 10 pack of Growboxes, or try them out first.

 

[Jesusgrowsmygrass]

If you want, but like I said, I am a month or so from purchasing. I'm just wondering if I should go all in on a 10 pack of Growboxes, or try them out first.

That sounds like a personal preference... Do you like the pressure of shit hitting the fan on 10 plants or just one? I always dive head first into shallow water, it makes for more exciting times.