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This year we are going to test the 1Pot System and the easy2grow Kit. We will also be trialling many trays attached to a single water barrel. We’ll be growing tomatoes, Chillies, Cucumbers, Aubergines, Peas, Sweet Peas, Pak Choi, Coriander and several other herbs. In some instances we have “companion planted”. Such as Pak Choi being grown in the same pot as the Sweet Peas & Coriander with Garden Peas. As you can see from the photos we will be using two small poly tunnels, measuring 8ft x 4ft. The tunnels are easy to construct and are child friendly. Doors can be opened at either end, with four window vents incorporated along the length of each tunnel for additional ventilation.
Unlike many trials that are carried out under controlled conditions, we are going to grow as 99.9% of the population does, with no power or environmental control. Using a simple greenhouse, the AutoPot products and left to the mercy of the elements. Just like everyone else!
We have decided to use good quality compost from any local garden centre mixed with approximately 20%-30% of perlite. The perlite once added provides more air retention and stops the compost from compressing once it is wet. We have deliberately kept away from composts containing peat. Any type of soil/compost can be used just ensure that it has a good structure, good air retention/drainage and good capillary action. Using a good quality compost with perlite always works very well. Once the plants have been potted up they are watered through and allowed to drain. Just before the pots are placed into the trays we make sure that there is no compost or perlite stuck to the bottom or sides of the pot. Simply brush off anything stuck to the pot with a small hand brush & place in the tray. The Marix disc inside the pot will prevent any further compost from leaving the pot and the Root Control Disc in the tray, gold face up, will prevent the roots from leaving the pot.
Not only will we be testing the systems we will also be trialling four different types of liquid feed. Four easy2grow Kits will be used to grow Tomatoes, Gardeners Delight and Sungold. During the growing season we will be monitoring the growth of the plants using the different liquid feeds. Weighing the fruit harvested and seeing if there is a difference in taste.
We will also be growing Chillies in the same way as the Tomatoes, using four easy2grow Kits and four different liquid feeds. Once again we are looking for quantity of chillies and healthy plants.
At the moment the systems have not been completely set up. We normally water the plants through and then leave them for up to 14 days as there is enough water in the compost to feed the small plants. We like to get the root system working and down to the bottom of the pot before all the AQUAvalves are connected to the tanks and the water supply turned on. As we started quite late all our plants are quite small so there is enough water in the pots to last the plants for 14 days.
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