Panda "mulch" LOL!

[sunnydog]

I have recently begun cutting out panda plastic circles for the tops of my containers.
This has the benefit of preventing the top fraction of soil from premature and uneven drying, thus increasing the effective volume of useful soil. As well as reducing trauma to the roots from repeated drying. And reducing unneeded humidity.

These are made by cutting panda to the desired shape and size.
Make a hole in the center for the stem.
Cut from outside to hole to make it removable.
Fold a couple of times, and use a hole punch to make some holes.

Trying to help out,

SD

 

[DaPurps]

That is a good tip. I use reflectix, but the same principle applies. It makes a very dramatic difference in how fast the top of the soil dries out.

 

[ShroomDr]

FWIW, Ive done this before and got stem rot where the stem meets the substrate. It was in DWC, but needless to say, i stopped doing it. Its all about environment, but i thought i had plenty of air movement.

 

[sunnydog]

FWIW, Ive done this before and got stem rot where the stem meets the substrate. It was in DWC, but needless to say, i stopped doing it. Its all about environment, but i thought i had plenty of air movement.

I'm guessing just way too much moisture.
Works great for soil.

 

[compost]

Good idea SD. Using blumats I have pretty dry top soil in between hand waterings.

 

[gloryoskie]

I use vent filter material, very breathable, keeps soil moisture in versus without. No stem rot, been using it for a few months. Like it.

 

[messn'n'gommin']

A good idea! Thanks Sunnydog! I'm going to use an air pot in a few weeks and it seems to be a general consensus that they dry out quick. This should come in handy then!

lol...Read the thread title and got mental images of little peices of panda bear covering your soil!

 

[sunnydog]

lol...Read the thread title and got mental images of little peices of panda bear covering your soil!

Just as long as it's organic panda LOL!

I leave a generous sized hole for the stem, for air. Also, use a paper hole punch too make some holes in the plastic. Just fold to make one hole two.
I don't make it a tight fit in any way.
Started doing this cause I got tired of ENDLESSLY watching and watering little seedling pots. One moment they are too wet the next moment they are too dry. This method increases the period of "just right".

SD

 

[messn'n'gommin']

The way I have it put together, the air pot measures 10" across and 11.5" deep for about 3.35 gallons by volume. I have zero experience with them, but one of the consistent things I have read about the air pots is that they dry out to fast because of all the holes. I have a paper punch I could use, but I might put it down without the extra holes, at first, and see if it will keep the medium moist a bit longer, at least on top.

Thanks again!