Cheap and easy to make wick system for herbs (and other plants)

This is a cheap, inexpensive low/no cost wick system for herbs (or other plants) using recyclable materials you probably already have.
Materials and supplies needed for this system:
- 8 ounce styrofoam cups
- Wick material, such as microfiber cloth
- Plastic salad mix container
- Aluminum foil
- Knife
- Scissors
- Potting medium, such as coco coir or regular well draining potting mix
- Hydroponic nutrients (I'm using Dyna-Gro 7-9-5)

[@scotttippett416]

Nice roots I'm going to try the wick setup never tried it.

[@MattGarver]

Nice demonstration of low cost grow system, which helps with transplant growing and watering needs versus single cups. Transfer from this system to soil or hydroponics would be a nice advantage as well.

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks. I have another video coming soon that shows a transfer from this to a larger wick system, which is a 3 gallon nursery pot wicking from a 4 gallon container.

[@yemikodja9568]

Nice video! How often should I use the Dyna Grow 7-9-5 since I need to keep my plant alive for a month.

[@pepperdactyl]

With a wick system it's good to keep nutrients in the reservoir always, just making sure to leave the air gap between the bottom of the cup and nutrient level. This way the plants can draw up what they need.

[@susangarza7818]

This is a great vid Peter.. Would you mind if I shared it on my G+ garden community (Bella Gardens)? I think it would be perfect to share this info with the group.

[@pepperdactyl]

+Susan Garza Please share anywhere you want. Thanks!

[@susangarza7818]

Awesome! Thank you Peter! =)

[@bgriffin5447]

Simple and effective ! What kind of light do they need? Will this work in a semi lit kitchen?

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching! These are under a t8 shop light. I'm not sure how well they'll perform with ambient room light, but I can say they'll do great by a window.

[@bgriffin5447]

Peter Stanley thanks! I'm gonna experiment with one of these new full spectrum cob chips with integrated driver. The 50 w version used in floodlights costs like $5 each. Not sure if that's overkill for a small rack inside a kitchen but 1 way to find out!

[@pepperdactyl]

That sounds awesome. Please share your results. I've used a larger version of this system with a 10 gallon tote growing peppers, under a 216 watt (65 actual) UFO LED and got great results.

[@michihir0rihihcim]

do you ever feel the need to remove the wick once the roots outgrow it? or do you just leave it there?

[@pepperdactyl]

I generally leave it in there, but you could probably remove it when the roots grow down. If removing, it might be better to cut it since, some roots might be attached to it. I don't think it hurts to just leave it in there though.

[@bmfmodesto3417]

Could you share what you put in the water for nutrients and how often change water/nutrients? Thank You!! Barb

[@pepperdactyl]

Thanks for watching. I'm using Dyna-gro 7-9-5 at 1 tsp/gallon. While in the cups I add nutrient water to the bottom every 2 or 3 days or more if needed. I'm probably going to move the cups to a reservoir soon, so they can drink out of it.

[@bmfmodesto3417]

@@pepperdactyl Have you ever tried this method to root fig cuttings? Was wondering if it makes the medium too moist....They are so picky about too much moisture. Thank You!!

[@pepperdactyl]

@@bmfmodesto3417 Sorry, I have never tried to propagate fig plants. I'm not sure if it would work.

[@thefaeryman]

you could use a nut cup with that wick

[@pepperdactyl]

Yes, that works very well too. One thing I noticed though is it's hard to remove the roots after, for the ones I made, I just left the net cup attached when I transplanted them. I did a video on it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIeWZoyintaCjdk

[@wonderland9870]

Great ! Can I use only Perlite instead of Coco Coir ?

[@pepperdactyl]

+Mr Cool not sure, you could try it. If you do, please let me know how it works for you.

[@derekgore1268]

Perlite is normally added for extra aeration. Perlite does not wick well on its own but you can mix 80% perlite with 20% coco coir or 50% perlite with 50% commercial potting mix to achieve a satisfactory level of wicking. I have tried all 3 aggregates myself. Hope this helps.

[@legendfpv]

What is the advantage vs kratky?

[@pepperdactyl]

The main root mass stays contained above the nutrient solution (unless you let them grow out and down), and makes it easier to manage by adding nutrients without fear of drowning the plants. Smaller Kratky systems can be tricky to manage, overfilling, even a little can kill them. I use both methods in different forms, it boils down to what works best for what you are doing, the type of plant, stage of growth, etc... Thanks for your question!

[@shellyvashishtha777]

sir u r great person...I lyk ur all tips .but sir I rqst u..plz speak in Hindi. n makes video in Hindi toooo..plz itz my humble rqst