SIP thread -- (Sub-Irrigated Planter)

[Hollatchaboy]

My intention was to re-amend, plant a cover crop, and introduce some worms. Then perhaps feed the worms on the edges of the dry area and see if their activity worked to correct the situation.

But dumping and re-packing after amending will prolly be the way I go, if just because of curiosity if for no better reason. Since I’m in no hurry to re-plant in that one it’ll be out of my way while I do other dumb stuff.

Do you use a surfactant at all? I add yucca extract to every res fill. I don't get any dry spots.

 

[myke]

I would think it would cause anaerobic conditions, no?

I just dont know,trying to avoid sand this time.Figured removing lid and material is easier to top dress.
I may go with say 2 4x4" holes in the sip lid to allow air with the fabric under.

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Or should I open the tote lid with some holes with the cloth under?.
The cloth kinda acts as a gasket, the taper of the tote makes it hard to run rope or bunjies around to seal it.

Would something like these work?

 

[Hollatchaboy]

I just dont know,trying to avoid sand this time.Figured removing lid and material is easier to top dress.
I may go with say 2 4x4" holes in the sip lid to allow air with the fabric under.

Use some panda plastic and chip clips.

 

[Feo309]

Do you use a surfactant at all? I add yucca extract to every res fill. I don't get any dry spots.

I used yucca in the water when I initially packed it, along with EM1 and Recharge. And I used it when I tried to correct with top-watering. But it never occurred to me to add it to the reservoir. Thanks for that tip.

Would adding dry yucca when mixing soil be worthwhile?

 

[myke]

Would something like these work?

View attachment 5076595
View attachment 5076597

Well the lid still snaps down with the sheet over so kinda a good seal.Some small screws around the top edge would be good.

 

[Hollatchaboy]

I used yucca in the water when I initially packed it, along with EM1 and Recharge. And I used it when I tried to correct with top-watering. But it never occurred to me to add it to the reservoir. Thanks for that tip.

Would adding dry yucca when mixing soil be worthwhile?

I've never tried that, so I can't say for sure.

 

[myke]

Use some panda plastic and chip clips.

That blocks air though.

 

[weedstoner420]

That may have been the start of the issue. That corner may have dried out during this time and couldn’t recover. Dunno, and not sure how to test my hypothesis. Oh well.

Yeah once peat dries out and gets hydrophobic it can be a pain to rehydrate. Sometimes you have to soak it multiple times IME. Yucca would probably help but I don't have any experience with using it myself.

I always leave some water in the reservoir too, even if there's nothing growing in it, just so it all stays evenly moist.

 

[Hollatchaboy]

That blocks air though.

Yea, I reckon it does.

 

[Tim Fox]

19 days in the SIP, keeping them as flat as I can, another week or so until timer flip mine is plastic covered with clips , not sure if that's what's being talked about

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Well the lid still snaps down with the sheet over so kinda a good seal.Some small screws around the top edge would be good.

You're gonna have to guinea pig it. Lol

 

[Hollatchaboy]

19 days in the SIP, keeping them as flat as I can, another week or so until timer flip mine is plastic covered with clips , not sure if that's what's being talked aboutView attachment 5076606View attachment 5076607View attachment 5076608View attachment 5076609

Yea he gonna want it tighter though to keep the gnats out.

 

[myke]

19 days in the SIP, keeping them as flat as I can, another week or so until timer flip mine is plastic covered with clips , not sure if that's what's being talked aboutView attachment 5076606View attachment 5076607View attachment 5076608View attachment 5076609

Ya thats it,so no fear of lack of air? Id seal around the stems with rockwool.
Ok so cool I can seal it off then,thanks your pick helped.

 

[myke]

I found this pic on the Greens thread.Looks all plastic and sealed up

 

[Hollatchaboy]

I found this pic on the Greens thread.Looks all plastic and sealed upView attachment 5076618

If you use worms, I'd make sure there's a way to get a lil air in there. Also beneficial insects and predators running around on the surface prolly need a lil o2 as well.

 

[myke]

If you use worms, I'd make sure there's a way to get a lil air in there. Also beneficial insects and predators running around on the surface prolly need a lil o2 as well.

Ya,Ill use the old bed sheets I have.Will still get air and I can seal every thing up.

So now theyll be an air space between soil and top of tote.What happens with gnats in that little space? They still can live a lay eggs id think?
Or do I need the soil right up to the top so material lays right ontop?

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Ya,Ill use the old bed sheets I have.Will still get air and I can seal every thing up.

So now theyll be an air space between soil and top of tote.What happens with gnats in that little space? They still can live a lay eggs id think?
Or do I need the soil right up to the top so material lays right ontop?

Mine has a gap in the beginning, but as I top dress, it bulges over, and the cover lays directly on top of the soil.

 

[myke]

Mine has a gap in the beginning, but as I top dress, it bulges over, and the cover lays directly on top of the soil.

Well Im starting with good soil this round,has sand on it for last 3 months so I dont think theres any in it.At least theres none flying around where I store the soil.
Lets hope sealing off the totes is the final nail to these fuckers lol.

 

[Hollatchaboy]

Well Im starting with good soil this round,has sand on it for last 3 months so I dont think theres any in it.At least theres none flying around where I store the soil.
Lets hope sealing off the totes is the final nail to these fuckers lol.

Good luck man.