This is why I like smart pots
hairmetal4ever
4 years ago
Acer buergerianum. Fourth season from seed I started myself. Just planted in the ground from a 10-gallon smart pot.
Nice root system! This is why I feel air-pruning Pots are worthwhile.
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Comments (9)
Sara Malone Zone 9b
4 years ago
whaas_5a
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoRelated Discussions
Smart pot mix, lets have some fun
Comments (19)As I said in the other discussion: I do substitute compost for some or all of the peat when using the mix in fabric Smart Pots that are on bare ground. The earth acts like a giant wick so the pot is more like a mini raised bed, and there is no perched water table. The roots actually grow through the bottom of the pot into the ground. When making 5-1-1 for regular containers, I don't use compost or manure because the fine material can make the mix too water retentive. In any case, I don't count on the compost to meet the nutrient needs of the plants in a container. I use mostly chemical fertilizers in both situations. When growing in a regular raised bed or directly in the ground, I prefer organic fertilizers and amendments....See MoreGrowing Fruit Trees in Smart Pots
Comments (10)I'm not exactly sure why these Smart Pots appeal to me, but I am a rookie just getting started, and have a twist on the questions posed above. I have a fully hardscaped front yard, 3-4" of pea gravel over landscape fabric over the native soil that used to be a grass lawn. I am looking to grow fruit trees in Smart Pots, placed on top of the gravel, and utilizing a drip irrigation system as much as possible. I will basically be following Dave Wilson Nursery's suggestions for Southern California for low chill varieties of peach, nectarine, plum, pluot, citrus, almond plus some blueberries, pomegranates, and passionfruit. If I buy 2-3 year bareroot dwarf trees, and have 20 and 30 gallon Smart Pots, what is the best growing medium to start with, Al's 5-1-1 or Gritty or something peaty? Also, would it be best to leave the Smart Pots on top of the gravel, or to dig the gravel away and have the pots directly on the landscape fabric, or even go as far as to cut thru the fabric and place the pots directly on the soil? Once I get the growing medium sorted, I will have more questions on watering and fertilizing, but I am trying to read more topics about those first....See MoreBest soil for fruit trees/veggies in Smart Pots/fabric pots
Comments (1)5-1-1 mix works pretty well. Yes, it dries out fast but why not just water it every day? I prefer roottrapper over smart pots though. Doesn't dry out as fast and white covering keeps root system cooler. Here is a link that might be useful: roottrapper...See MoreAdenium smart pots, Geo pots, root pouch
Comments (16)Bob, the media looks terrific! The plants are going to be so happy in these new pots. Let me tell you! The Growstone GS2 made of recycled glass is what I use too. The size is great, especially to pair with your croutons. So to answer your question about watering. Here is my advice. When you pot up a new set of plants into these, lift them up while they are dry. Get an idea of the weight when they are completely dry. Then watering them you can see each day by picking up the pot how much water is being consumed based on weight. This will give you a baseline for creating a schedule, but watch since plants have different watering requirements. Those pushing out leaves and flowers consume a greater amount of water than those that are semi-dormant. I keep mine in plastic trays to prevent runoff water from dripping onto the heating mats below. I keep my trays elevated about 1.5" above my heating mats. I keep them from touching, as it does lead roots astray. Also, I adjust the tallness of the pot to suit the plant. Don't feel the need to fill them to the rim and keep them tall. Your Arabicums will require a more wider pot and less depth. I don't have any problems handling the fabric pots and disturbing the roots. If anything, the pot flexes to prevent damaging the roots when you are shuffling things around. Keep up the outstanding work! Tracy...See More
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years agohairmetal4ever
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agohairmetal4ever
4 years ago
Skip1909
4 years agolast modified: 4 years ago
Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
4 years agowhaas_5a
4 years ago
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hairmetal4everOriginal Author