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Re: Tips and tricks for beginners
The only thing I would take exception to here is the necessity to allow the SWICK to dry out to encourage root development. This system was designed precisely for the purpose of promoting vigorous root growth and IMHO does that quite efficiently when kept wet. I question the idea that plants need a wet/dry cycle to grow roots. The evidence I witnessed with my own grow and with the many grows I've seen documenting this practice demonstrate that a balanced LOS with adequate aeration will perform spectacularly on a smoothly operating SWICK.
Now, having said that, I have not encountered another grower who tried it as you have, so there may be something to your claims. I'd like to someday see a side-by-side grow to compare the different approaches. It could prove to be very interesting.
What I can tell you is that seed to harvest, the SWICK kicks the grow into high gear. Once those plants figure out there's constantly available water they almost sing with joy, and before you know it roots are popping out of the bottom. With living organic soils the soil food web performs at a higher level of efficiency with even hydration.
As you say, the jury's still out on other soil types, although we do know that Doc Bud's HB kit soil performs beautifully on the SWICK. DrZiggy is showing that off with pride and expectation. He's not even bothering to up pot the ones he has going now. The potential there, for someone getting ready to jump into that soil for the first time, gives me goosebumps.
This thread exists to explore the benefits and limitations of the SWICK. I appreciate the many voices chiming in.
About a week ago, I switched to a basic SWICK system and loved it. Yesterday, I upgraded my system to a bigger system so I could leave my plants for longer without worrying about them drying up and keeling over in my absence.
I filled a 41-quart under-bed tote with #3 perlite and topped it off with a finer grade perlite, though you could simply crush up some #3 perlite and use that instead of buying an extra bag of small perlite. I bought a 4cu ft bag and didn't even use 1cu ft for my system, so don't go overboard buying a big bag of perlite if you can help it. The glass jar is to judge water level, though I found it just as effective to poke a hole in perlite with a finger and feel for the water level.
A group shot with several fabric and plastic pots incorporated into the SWICK system.
A few notes of advice for beginners:
- The SWICK watering system works well for people who need to leave their plants alone for days at a time.
- The system works very well with Living Organic Soils and other soils that require a moist environment to thrive. The verdict is still out on how well it performs with other grow mediums.
- Fabric pots with thin walls work best with the SWICK system. Smart Pot and Gro Pro are both quality brands.
- If you recently transplanted a small plant into a bigger pot, don't fill the SWICK system to the recommended 1-2" below the bottom of the fabric pots. Instead, barely fill the bottom of the SWICK reservoir and let it wick up into the soil. Wait until the soil dries out a bit (possibly a week or more) and then refill the bottom of the reservoir. Do this for the first several weeks after transplanting so the small plants send roots deeper in search of water, which will help the roots fill the pot sooner than if the soil were completely moist during that time.
- If you're using nutrients, top-feed them to the plant. Putting nutrient solution directly in the reservoir will encourage algae growth.
- It's okay to let the reservoir dry up every now and then. In fact, it will encourage the roots to branch out in search of water leading to a larger system of roots to uptake water and nutrients.
- If you create a SWICK system, share it with us here.
Hope that gets you thinking. Happy growing!
The only thing I would take exception to here is the necessity to allow the SWICK to dry out to encourage root development. This system was designed precisely for the purpose of promoting vigorous root growth and IMHO does that quite efficiently when kept wet. I question the idea that plants need a wet/dry cycle to grow roots. The evidence I witnessed with my own grow and with the many grows I've seen documenting this practice demonstrate that a balanced LOS with adequate aeration will perform spectacularly on a smoothly operating SWICK.
Now, having said that, I have not encountered another grower who tried it as you have, so there may be something to your claims. I'd like to someday see a side-by-side grow to compare the different approaches. It could prove to be very interesting.
What I can tell you is that seed to harvest, the SWICK kicks the grow into high gear. Once those plants figure out there's constantly available water they almost sing with joy, and before you know it roots are popping out of the bottom. With living organic soils the soil food web performs at a higher level of efficiency with even hydration.
As you say, the jury's still out on other soil types, although we do know that Doc Bud's HB kit soil performs beautifully on the SWICK. DrZiggy is showing that off with pride and expectation. He's not even bothering to up pot the ones he has going now. The potential there, for someone getting ready to jump into that soil for the first time, gives me goosebumps.
This thread exists to explore the benefits and limitations of the SWICK. I appreciate the many voices chiming in.
I predict that you are going to be one happy cannabis farmer.
Now that is commitment! Where did you find a 4'x8' tub? 
I just decided to go with smaller plants and less light hours.
