Watering soil... What works for you?

[Jhhnn]

I definitely use Blumats too in my garden. I put the plants on blumats once they get into the flowering room, but I really need it in my veg room for plants in 1gallon+ like you do.

Ever considered sowing directly into beds with blumats? Ive been wanting to try that, and I know a few people are doing blumats/ grow beds, but I dont know if they're sowing seeds. Either way, Its something Id like to try out.

I like pots growing from seed because of the variation in plant structure. I move the shorter specimens to the center for more light. I couldn't do that in beds. I'm sure that beds work well for people who flower from clones.

I'm just an A64 compliant hobby grower with very limited space, 44"x56"x75"T. I was away from the whole scene for 25 years & I'm exploring what modern genetics have to offer- mostly mixed grows since A64 passed.

I just try to do it well. The new soil mix & blumats moved it up to a much higher level. It's easy, too. Once the soil is mixed & aged & the blumats dialed in, I mostly just need to get out of the way. I'd like to make it even easier by avoiding transplanting altogether.

 

[moses wellfleet]

Funny timing you have Moses. I just made an update in my grow thread a few days ago how to grow rootballs like the one pictured below. It has nothing to do with letting the media dry out..If I go for the first method you mention, I do not get roots like this.

Day 29 Durban Poison From Seed
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Day 19 GN Thai Stick From Seed

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Since using this method for a couple months now, I have much healthier white roots!

 

[Dave Coulier]

Thats great news Moses. I love hearing that. The next step is maintaining that. I get lazy sometimes and rush the watering, which never results in good things. As long as you stay on track, those white fuzzy roots will keep on growing.

 

[Jonny Lan]

I use a 2 gallon sprayer to water my plants in 5 gal pots. its usually about a half gallon of water for every 1.5gal of medium.
The reason i use a sprayer is i find the other watering cans with a jet stream make tunnels in my soil or rip up my top layer of roots ( my roots grow on surface of soil with hydration on top) this takes a bit longer to water but my plants have been growing WAY BETTER since. i also get more water in before run off starts.

 

[Tonygreen]

5 gallon bucket twice a week, 65 gallon smartie, done.