DrBud's style watering and air pots

[Swansen]

Right, with air pots, would it not be necessary to use the dunk method with all the aeration? Secondly, i have used his methods before, and it seemed to work well and was fine with a very small number, but, even then it is such a hassle.. So, i was wondering if anyone used regular top down watering with his style and got the same results? i'm thinking about doing a comparison ether way, but thanks in advance

 

[WalterWhite]

From what I've read of his threads, it seems he did the dipping method for two reasons. Ease of watering and in order to disturb the top soil.

If it's actually more hassle for you to dip, i'd stick to top-down. If you are using air pots there would be no "soil" to disturb, and even then I was slightly doubtful of dipping not disturbing top-soil more.

I'd say don't worry too much. DrBud methods were mostly based on his soil, a good strain, regular healthy cutting plans and keeping a revolving door of plants.

 

[Swansen]

I swear i only find things, exactly when i need then and never ahead of time.. its weird. Anyways, found a thread and Drbud's watering method helps stop root bound by keeping the soil properly watered. The dunking method just takes so much, time. However, my issue would be having space for a dunk "tank" to dunk like six bottles at a time, as that would make things easier. I just need to figure out where to put it thats out of sight. Granted, air pots might do away with that whole issue. I think at this point there isn't much to do but experiment. I've gotten 7grams a plants with his method from tiny plants(flowered to early, and to few lights, and open space). I know his method works, its just getting all the variables calculated.

On that, thank you walter, but at this point it seems i'm going to try dunking(as many as i can) and then majority will prolly go into small air pots.

oh yeah, top watering is easy, if i'm lazy, just lift and view, if dry, water with measured amount or til heavy/moist. Otherwise, weigh and give measured amount of water, super quick and simple(just takes a few runs figuring initial specs).

 

[micro420guy]

I've tried the dunk method. I think i'll stick with the top feed method for now. As a medium I'm using promix #4 with bone meal and dolomite lime. I was feeding with a mix of shultz plant food and superthrive. I found the promix had a high % of perilite and would always float away when dunking.

My method now is top feeding. Im using 2L plastic milk jugs with the top third cut off. I use 500ml of food per jug and water slowly till the container feels heavy and run off starts coming out the bottom.

 

[Swansen]

thanks Micro for the input, always appreciated. I ran across a thread where aluminium screen was used for structure and landscaping mat was used as a liner. I think i'm going to give that method a go and see how it works out. If that fails then i'll just modify a "root builder" pot.

 

[sirsmokesallot]

id suggest the watering twice method this will help you get rid of dry spots in the soil where the roots wont grow to thats one of the purposes of this watering method to get all the soil wet so the roots go everywhere in the pot instead of just where the water runs i suggest watering once wait an hour and water again and if ur top feeding i would water with straight water then water with ur feed so u dont cause root shock. my .o2

 

[Gebr'el]

the dr. bud watering method also promotes fresh oxygen to the root system and the dunking method expells the bad gases. i myself do a similiar type of method...i drench method where as i completely soak my pots and then drain them off in bucket with them sitting on wire mesh covering the top. mind u i use 1gal containers and also i cut my amended soilless peat mix with 40% perlite. this fast draining, water retentive mix draws fresh o2 in the root system via capilliary action and allows me to make alterations quickly if necessary. i have pulled off 20 gram colas (not including lateral growth) off 18" tall plants in 1 gal containers. this method works great for me concidering i run 9 staggered 7-10 days apart, just over an ounce a week....i cant complain.