Hi There,
I've been reading through the threads on wicking and I'm confused on how far the wick goes up into the pot, how many wicks per pot, does it go around in circles or straight up the top? and how thick* the wick material. Never done the wick watering before and just recently got back into AV's. It's definitely how I would like to water my plants and they all need to be repotted. I've got some mini's and standards..... two sizes. Would appreciate any help.
Help with size, how many and best way to arrange wick in pot
Hi There;
I have been wicking for a few years now & really like it, every now & then, 1 will take up to much water, but that is usually a strep. I use a very lite mix, 1 pt. pro mix,2 pts. large pearlite & I add some charcol. I cut the wick to fit the entire pot & then some to hang down in the container.so usually about 4 or 5 inc. I keep all my wicks in a baggie that has water & a drop of dish soap. I have been told they will not wick when they are dry. But i have had luck with wet & dry. lol go figure.,anyway i use 1 wick unless it's a 5 inch pot or bigger, i usually use 2 wicks for my trailers.But it works great as long as your mix is very lite, has to have alot of pearlite in the mix. Also cover the bottom of your pot with pearlite so this way they never sit in water. Usually about 1/2 inch on the bottom.the wick goes from the top of the pot down thru the bottom of the pot with some to go in the container. I use my wicks stright up.
bonnie
Hi Bonnie!
I was reading about the Pro-mix and will hopefully find some at Home Depot or Ace Hardware (I think) is where people are buying it? Sounds like good stuff. I have wick material I bought at Home Depot-mason's line #18. Is this too big for mini's?
Bonnie do I make a loop with the wick or just go from top to bottom and out? 4-6" pots 3 wicks straight? The little 2 1/2" pots one wick? and does the wick go in the middle or at the sides? REALLY, appreciate your help. I bought those plastic containers to hold the water, almost ready to go, but the lighter soil for wicks was throwing me a curve and arranging the wick in the pot. Maybe I'm making it harder than it is lol I'm worried about putting too much wicking in the pot (or not enough).
Hi There;
the #18 should be ok, i usually get mine at farm & fleet & really don't remember the size, but i think thats ok for all sizes except micro mini's then you need smaller, you can also use baby yarn as long as it not 100% cotten as it will rot, Reg size yarn also works. so if in doubt use regular yarn. You put your yarn in the pot first, uo the side of the pot, then fill your pot with whatever your planting & that will hold the yarn in place, no need to make a knot. Home depot is where i usually find pro mix, really good for gessies. Also i use 1 tablespoon of peroxide per 1 gal of water in the plastic containers & have no algee.
bonnie
Thank you, Bonnie. Do you know where else Pro-Mix is sold? My Home Depot doesn't sell it.
wish i could help here, but thats the only place i know of.
bonnie