General discussion regarding the techniques and methods used to successfully grow tomato plants in containers.
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#1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Thinking of alternatives to a wicking basket in the EarthTainer to eliminate the Potting Mix sitting in the water reservoir. The benefit would be to have pristine water in the reservoir.
I've come across a 7 inch Loofah Sponge that I think would perform the necessary wicking into the Potting Mix, without collapsing as a traditional sponge would do under the weight of the Potting Mix poured on to the Aeration Bench. ![]() Anyone with experiences using a Loofah Sponge to accomplish this - - or any alternative suggestions for a "hard" sponge-type wicking medium? Raybo ![]() |
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#2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Santa Clara CA
Posts: 1,125
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I haven't seen a loofah sponge in a long while but arent they fairly fibrous? I worry about thier wicking strength/capability. Have you done any wicking tests with these sponges?
Damon |
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#3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Damon,
I just ordered 2 of them last night. I am going to trial them in the 18 gallon InnTainers first, to evaluate the wicking properties. Yes, they are a bit coarse but with the compression of the Potting Mix on the sides / top, I am thinking they will compress inward. Raybo |
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#4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Seattle
Posts: 581
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Interesting idea. They should wick 'fairly' well, but as a singular column of wick, I would imagine that ALL roots are going to congregate to the ONE source of water. I would think that if they were cut into 1", or 1/2" strips, and dispersed throughout the growing medium, they would lead to a better overall root development. Unless they wick very well, the upper roots may never see one drop of that water. Curious to see how your experiment works out.
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#5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Landers, CA
Posts: 191
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grodan blocks work great!! for wicking in my minitainers the resevoir stays
very clean i also use a air stone in each minitainer running 24/7 the groth rate is great also. les |
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#6 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Campbell, CA
Posts: 4,064
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Thanks Les, the 5.8 inch size might be feasible in the EarthTainer. I will ask my son to see if he carries them at his Store.
Ray |
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#7 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Landers, CA
Posts: 191
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you can buy grodan blocks in 6x6x6 and 8x8x8 (big mama?) all the blocks
can be cut to any size with a fine tooth skill saw blade or they cut easy with a hack saw. les |
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#8 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: sc
Posts: 339
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Walmart has woven nylon rope in their camping dept. that I have suspended into the water resevoir in my homemade earthbox for wicking. I also use them for wicking water into 5 gallon containers, two or three (about a quarter inch in diameter) per 5 gallons....I bleach them and reuse. These or something similar you can space as needed, as long as there is sufficient support without the basket. Roots do grow through the rope and into the water.
Tom |
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