"which will allow me to bottom water them"

[DoubleDogFarm]

which will allow me to bottom water them.

This topic was started by wordwiz, in "starting seeds in a greenhouse".

wordwiz mentioned plastic covered shelving with sides.

Wordwiz, do you have it planned out? Would it be similar to hydroponics?

I have some ideas rattling around in my head, but you first

Eric

[soil]

I had this idea as well if I don't go the micro sprinklers. the only thing is the light that goes through the layers, with plastic you don't get any. but then again I do find the drips from the upper levels to be annoying with seedlings on the lower levels. so this would eliminate that problem. they would have to be dead on level to get it working good. but you could leave a thin layer of water or sand filled with water and have a wick system which will prevent seedlings from drying out even in hot weather.

[wordwiz]

Nothing near as complicated! Build a simple shelf, add four walls maybe 4" tall, line it with plastic. Keep the shelves narrow enough that not much space is exposed to light (I hate algae)) but leave enough room to use whatever container (bucket, jar, watering can) you want to add a gallon or two of water when needed.

I learned a few years ago that seedlings that grow down to the water tend to produce more and stronger roots than those that get watered from above. The other advantage is I can use plain rain water one week, the next one mix it with a bit of Tomato-tone or whatever your fav nuit is.

Mike

[DoubleDogFarm]

Soil,

I was think for me it would be a single shelf / tray. It would be about 22" wide and about 12ft long. I should be able to fit (10) 1020 trays inside. Shallow tray, two layers of black plastic and pea gravel or sand. I'll probably have a drain on one end also.

Soil, Some people like watering with warm water. What do you think on a system like this??

Easily converted to hydroponics with a barrel, pump, timer and a bit of plumbing.

Eric

[DoubleDogFarm]

Sorry Mike,

I didn't see your post.

Would you use sand or gravel?
Warm water?
How often do you add water or how do you know?

Eric

[wordwiz]

Eric,

I grow in normal nursery flat type of cells. The Horticubes are basically the same. No gravel no sand, just let th flats sit in the grow area. The horticubes need to be watered almost daily, at least if the temps are above 75. The plants in a soilless potting mix - once a week until they are nearly grown, then probably twice a week. But in the past, they have been sitting outside in the weather and it rains quite a bit in late April, early May in Cincinnati!

Mike