SWICK Watering Systems: Letting The Plant Water Itself

Happy Hemper said:
My thought is to use a piece of pvc with holes or slots cut into it from the bottom up an inch or two then a piece of cork with a bamboo skewer embedded in it. Then all I would need to do is glance at my SWICK water gauge and if I graduated the skewer I could even know how much water has been consumed.
I have a nasty amount of titanium holding my vertebrae together so anything to avoid extra bending is nice.
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Thats really cool. I think... The Nutty Professor used pvc pipe that he notched to let water flow under, but not the perlite. However, I dont have anything like that around here and no spare cash for it, so I have to use what I have around here. Im sorry to hear you have such bad back, but glad you find things to help you get around it as best you can. :blushsmile:
 
chuck1718 said:
Heh thats exactly what i did and stuck the bottom in there with lava rock for weight then i said you know what ill do one better and stab a few little holes no perlite can get in and easier to gauge the water.
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Great idea. :)
 
SweetSue said:
I was drinking from one of those bottles as I read this. Brilliant! + Reps for that inspiration Sorenna.
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Yay! Too bad you already set up your SWICK tray.. is it too late to do it now for you?

Oh... and thanks for the rep. Sweet of you. :blushsmile:
 
I decided yesterday that I was going to follow my vision and begin a perpetual garden in small azalea pots under 11/13 lighting, mirroring the style DrZiggy has been playing with for a few months. As he refined his technique I grew more and more excited. When he threw his little pots on to a SWICK My interest ramped up. Just the other day he decided to set up three trays over three months time, all on SWICKS, and begin harvesting on a regular basis every 4-6 weeks.

That was too much for me to resist. I dug out my old drain tray from my first grow, grabbed the bag of perlite and some water and went to work.

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After leaving it to wick all day I came home and carefully added about another 1/4" to the top. You sprinkle across the surface, let it wick the water up and apply more until you know you've reached maximum height. It took almost a gallon at first and probably another quart after adding more perlite. I may add a bit more as the days pass.

The pots will wick enough water to keep them moist, but not wet, until I'm ready to plant.

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Sunday is projected to be planting day.

I'm going to celebrate with some lemon cookies and gelato. :cheesygrinsmiley:
 
Sorenna said:
Thats really cool. I think... The Nutty Professor used pvc pipe that he notched to let water flow under, but not the perlite. However, I dont have anything like that around here and no spare cash for it, so I have to use what I have around here. Im sorry to hear you have such bad back, but glad you find things to help you get around it as best you can. :blushsmile:
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Also my issue. My first SWICK I had scrap PVC. Now I don't. So I will use what's on hand :)
 
We arent frugal, we are recycling. :)
 
chuck1718 said:
It never too late just press that bottom in the perlite pretty simple. Now what is this rep stuff and why didnt i get a invite to the rep party :P I try to reuse everything I can and mainly because im cheap lol
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Im sure its doable, but Id have perlite all in the spout. Easier when you first put it together, Im betting.

Giving other members rep is just the forums way of allowing members to show appreciation for the sharing and whatnot of other members. You were invited to the party because I +Repped you for giving me that great idea. :blushsmile:
 
chuck1718 said:
What about browning on top of your perlite?
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After you've had a good laugh at Rad's answer ...... :rofl:

The brown algae growing on the perlite is a non-issue, other than aesthetics. If you want to prevent it, some weed barrier cloth over the surface, scrunched around the pots, will keep it under control. It's easily cleaned by washing and drying, but why bother with all that work? You could instead learn to ignore it.
 
Heh thanks buddy ill be sure to keep it underwraps ;)
Radogast said:
If you leave a Browning on top of your perlite it is likely to rust and lead to jail time if the cops see it.
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What brown stuff? Thanks alot!

SweetSue said:
After you've had a good laugh at Rad's answer ...... :rofl:

The brown algae growing on the perlite is a non-issue, other than aesthetics. If you want to prevent it, some weed barrier cloth over the surface, scrunched around the pots, will keep it under control. It's easily cleaned by washing and drying, but why bother with all that work? You could instead learn to ignore it.
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For second after reading Rad's response I thought what the....then I lost it. Too damn funny Rad. :clap::clap::clap::clap:
 
HarleyDude said:
Sue
"Remember, water lever 1-2" below the surface of the perlite. ". How do you know where the water level is ? I'm really interested in this system for my next grow. I feel all grown up, already planning my next grow with changes :blunt:
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Ooopppsss, i posted that when I was on the first few pages in the blog. I have since read all the pages and have seen a few different ideas for water level indicator. Sorry :lot-o-toke:
 
HarleyDude said:
Ooopppsss, i posted that when I was on the first few pages in the blog. I have since read all the pages and have seen a few different ideas for water level indicator. Sorry :lot-o-toke:
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That's quite alright HarleyDude. Welcome to the human race. :laughtwo::green_heart: I'm glad we've sparked your interest.
 
DrZiggy said:
SWICK PICs.. from seed, 11/13, HB soil
SWICK #2
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SWICK #1
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Yeah, Ziggy, you just keep me all excited. Right there with you now. :slide:
 
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