Growing Strong: Nurturing Young Plants with AutoPot Watering Systems
At AutoPot, we’ve always aimed to create watering systems that are as versatile as they are innovative, designed to work in all kinds of growing setups. Traditionally, irrigation systems are seen as tools for large, high-maintenance, demanding plants, which is why we’ve been a go-to for giant vegetable growers and professional horticulturists across the spectrum for over two decades. But to be truly useful, a watering system needs to do more—like providing smart, low-maintenance solutions for seedlings and young plants, too.
Above: We successfully raise young plants aplenty in our R&D rooms every year using technology based on that found in our larger systems
Tray2Grow is AutoPot’s most versatile 5-in-1 watering system, designed for effortless, automated irrigation. It works with seed trays, pots, planter beds, wicking spikes and microgreens trays, making it adaptable for various growing methods. For young plants, Tray2Grow simplifies seedling care by allowing growers to place small seedlings directly onto the tray for automated bottom watering. Using the trusted AQUAvalve5, it delivers water only when plants need it, ensuring seedlings receive consistent hydration without over- or under-watering. This gentle approach promotes strong root development and reduces transplant shock, making it an ideal low-maintenance solution for starting young plants with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.
For those who want an ultra low-tech means of watering young plants, CocoMat is a superb way to go. This coco coir and natural latex matting is laid into any size garden tray with a root control sheet on top. Pots or trays of plants or seedlings are placed atop the root control sheet. With your tray filled, CocoMat then effectively acts as a wick, allowing the plants to draw up water at exactly their desired rate. There’s nothing to fear in terms of plants being starved or overwhelmed, they’ll do exactly as they please and develop more healthily and more fully for it. The matting is easily cut to size and can water for up to 10 days if manually filling the tray. These are great for turning any size smaller tray into a bottom feeding system in a pinch for a quick vacation. To take it one step further, pair a CocoMat with an easy2go kit + AQUAvalve to create an ultra-low-maintenance automated system with an attached reservoir.
The easy2GO Kit is a simple, inexpensive device that, when used to propagate, sits in any flat-bottomed garden tray along with your pot- or tray-laden CocoMat. At the heart of easy2GO is the AQUAvalve; a power-free, self-regulating double float valve. Atop the AQUAvalve (light blue in the above picture) is the AQUAvalve Cover, which is a weighted cover to hold the AQUAvalve in place on the tray. The AQUAvalve is attached to a reservoir and opens to provide a supply of water and/or nutrient solution into the tray and only once the CocoMat has wicked all that water/nutrient solution up to the plants, will the AQUAvalve reopen to admit a fresh fill. Watch a quick video on AQUAvalve mechanics here. Crucially for young plants this means the potential for over- or under-watering is virtually eliminated.
Beyond the propagation stage we move into kits that quickly, inexpensively adapt our pot-and-tray modules for use with growth-stage plants. Prime amongst these kits is PotDivider. This handy insert allows you to segregate your pot into four sections, ideal for starting off smaller plants. Once planted up, your ‘PotDivider’ pot sits in a module tray that is connected via pipework to a reservoir. We have a 2.2 gallon PotDivider and 3.9 gallon PotDivider.
To bring the plants on a little further we offer robust yet inexpensive propagation lids that fit the pots perfectly. Designed to be fitted during the crucial early weeks, the lids help to generate the humidity that young plants crave. Sated by the humidity that the lids confer, your plants can quickly take hold, fill out, and enjoy for further vigorous growth. We offer a propagation lid compatible with our 2.2 gallon and 3.9 gallon pot and an XL propagation lid compatible with our 6.6 gallon pot.
Without exception these are inexpensive and adaptable ways to get more from your young plants. So, as thoughts turn to next season why not take a gander and consider what they might do for your young ones?
