Smart Pots for outdoor grow?

[Esteban1]

I've asked this question in the past & didn't receive much info ( possibly inquired in an incorrect forum, dunno) so I ask again. Has anyone had much luck using a "Smart Pot" system in an outdoor setting? More or less just shielding from the outside world so to speak? Would appreciate some feedback, thanks. FYI, my intentions will to use mainly with tomatoes, corn, peppers etc.

Sic Semper Tyrannus

:wtf:

[Skihigh]

Esteban1...Good question. I've looked at some things about Smart Pots and really haven't come across any bad reviews.
From what I've read, the best thing about them is that (supposedly) plants don't (can't or won't) become rootbound.
Also,I wonder; What about root temps. during the hot summer and the threat of root rot?
Oh...By the way.......:stoned:...........................J

[Mal420xl]

i would imagine they would be fine. they will probably dry out much faster than a regular pot.

[EvilCartman]

i would imagine they would be fine. they will probably dry out much faster than a regular pot.

Agree 100%, they transpire a lot of moisture through the sides.
If you'd normally plant a large tomato in a 5 gallon pot, I'd at least double that for a Smartie-type container. Maybe get a few plants into a 45 gallon, or so. They rely on evaporative cooling to keep the root temps down, lighter colors help a bit in keeping the temps in check. I love 'em in the garden, just remember to go big, or you'll be watering constantly. ;)

[Esteban1]

Thanks, will go large!

Sic Semper Tyrannus

:wtf:

[Esteban1]

Ok, so I'm thinking of the 7 Gallon v 14 Gallon. Remember..... Wanna be a tad discreet. Don't get me wrong want big bushy plants but not too big. Poss LST etc to keep'm wide not tall. Feeling the 14's will allow this?


Sic Semper Tyrannus

:wtf:

[Mal420xl]

size of the container wont matter on the training. i have seen grows done in troughs where the plants are trained to almost run on the ground. every branch becomes a nice fat cola that be trained over as well if they stretch.

[Esteban1]

Big Thanks Mal, sorry I hadn't responded.... Been busy & only checked other crap!

Sic Semper Tyranus

:S1:

[tlranger]

Go large as you can, then a size bigger.

[Esteban1]

Gonna try

:jumphappy:


Semper Fi fo phum

:s4:

[lipps]

The bigger the pot the more roots you will have so you get more fruit. Smart pots are good if you cut out the bottom to let the plant drain and grow roots into the soil plus in wind they stand up better. When you water a pot take the nozzle and water around the inside edge of the pot to get the sides moist do this every day or so even if you don't water the plant. Once the plant has filled the pot with roots and you have a lot of foliage it will probably need water everyday use a moisture meter to check.

[Esteban1]

Lipps;

No can do with cut out of bottom. This would be on a "deck". My girl tells me all of the time "gotta move to them darn hills, you got serious game" & that's a direct quote cuz def not superficial. Just believe in self reliance. Is that a bad thing. Rhetorical of course.


Sometimes I Just Lose Hope


:s4:

[lipps]

The bottom of the pots get plugged and don't drain use a moisture meter so you will know if it's getting water logged near the bottom. I be in them darn hills come on up.....

[Esteban1]

Thanks! Never would have thought this since they are made of breathable fibers!! I'm creative, will figure this out.


Sic Semper Tyranus

:s4:

[BCB...TCB]

Anyone ever use burlap bags? They are super cheap. Or you can buy rolls of fabric and make your own whatever size you want.

[Esteban1]

Super creative aren't we, ha! Gather this is how the whole breathable fabric thingy came about. Makes perfect sense to me. 3 cheers & 2 big thumbs up. Prob saved me 100$.

Cheeriooooooo Mate

:thumbsup:

[Growbigbuds]

I am not a fan of smart pots. Theyre a pain in the ass to move around and if you live in a dry/hot climate they dry out extremely fast (they dont get clogged btw)..
I like the idea of making your own tho..
I would put the fabric inside of some type of crate, so you can move them if need be. Double up the fabric so it retains moisture a little better. I would also test them out before putting your ladies in them, because it would suck if the fabric doesn't hold up to the weight of the soil after getting wet. :thumbsup:

[Shovelhandle]

Smart pots are ok. I have no problem moving a 5 gal smarty or a 5 gal pail. Woven fiber reusable shopping bags are good and cheap. I'm running one now.

[Esteban1]

Have a bunch of tomatoes in "smarties". FYI, if ya didn't know tomatoes do terrible in 5 gal containers. My entire grow last season was housed in them. Cheap, efficient (can move easily). Have a bunch in 10 G smart pots now. Where do ya think I could find these burlap sacks, poss a vegetable store house?

:thumbsup:

[Shovelhandle]

I would bet the grocery store style shopping bags would be better than the burlap. They can be rolled down to 3 gallon size or left full size and they have handles. Just look for a bag made of woven materials so air would be able to get through the sides and bottom. And some bags have a better bottom profile, nice and wide. Others can be kind of narrow. I saw a very impressive grow room full of happy trees in the blue Walmart sacks. The owner said he bought them online at Amazon for $.50 each. They are a buck or so in the stores, still a good deal for a grow bag. I have one 5 gal smart bag and one shopping bag about the same size and the other plants all want the shopping bag. :D

[Esteban1]

Comical when ya think about the various alternatives. 2 Big :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[BCB...TCB]

The shopping bags will tip over quite easy, as will burlap, which is the only reason to ever spend a lot of money on "smart pots". Burlap is the only one of the three that allows the roots to easily go through in case you want or need to transplant them later. You simply put the $2 burlap bag inside a $2 bucket, fill it with soil, and when it is about 3' tall pull it out and stick it in a bigger plastic bucket or the ground. That's what tree nurseries do.