Threshold on proceeding with new system

I've always use individual pots.

I'm considering trying this mass-soil idea to reduce the frequency of times needed for watering. I want to be able to leave it alone for up to 5 days and rely on automation. I figure with this large bucket I can comfortably fit 4 plants in it. It also will easily rotate it for trimming and inspection.

Plan : I'm going to put 4 inches deep of pumice stone on the bottom for drainage covered by landscape fabric, then fill it with soil and water. ...and figure out how to drain it w/o putting a hole in it.

Good idea? Great idea? Bad idea?

Effective to reduce the frequency for watering?

Any Cons?

Go look into SIP ( sub irrigated planters). It's very similar to what you're doing, but no need to drain. There's a spill port a coupe inches below the soil level to control water height, which you could put a hose and valve on. The bottom acts as a reservoir with a wick that draws water up to the soil.

https://www.rollitup.org/t/sip-thread-sub-irrigated-planter.904886/

Great idea, thanks.

WeedFreak78 said:

Go look into SIP ( sub irrigated planters). It's very similar to what you're doing, but no need to drain. There's a spill port a coupe inches below the soil level to control water height, which you could put a hose and valve on. The bottom acts as a reservoir with a wick that draws water up to the soil.

https://www.rollitup.org/t/sip-thread-sub-irrigated-planter.904886/

Click to expand...

It works great. if I didn't have to worry about a cola / light collision I can leave it unattended for over a week.

A little out of control?