Parts To Glory – with AutoPot!

When it comes to inventions you don’t always have to go the full Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. We know that. Sometimes a small addition can have transformative properties of its own – every bit as dramatic as a flying watering system that also functions as a hovercraft. With that thought in mind we bring you a swarm of subtle solutions – dedicated system accessories that help you master everyday horticultural quandaries, leaving you more time to deal with baronial skullduggery.

Elbows out! Forcing it’s way to the forefront of our attention is the 9mm Elbow Bar. This innocuous looking little fella gets you up and over the side of a garden tray at a stroke. That means there’s no need for drilling out or fitting grommets when you’re growing in open trays with an AQUAvalve5.

Once inside the tray side, the Elbow Bar brings the 9mm pipe right back down to the level of the AQUAvalve5 inlet – minimising the risk of a valve lifting under pipe tension. As supplied with easy2Propagate and PlantSkirt Kits, the 9mm Elbow Bar is now available separately from our online store and AutoPot Stockists.

So now you’re happily hooked up with an AQUAvalve5 in an open tray via the Elbow Bar – responsive feeding and irrigation must ensue! But wait, back up, back up, back up! You’re using a pot size not served by our range of PotSocks? That means there’s no root control on this thing!

Kein problem with the AQUAvalve PotSock Kit! Simply use the kit to fortify your AQUAvalve, rather than containing the roots in the pot, and you’re away. The kit comes with the AQUAvalve PotSock and AQUAvalve PotSock Plate to keep everything nicely weighted down and secure.

To use the AQUAvalve PotSock Kit, simply put your AQUAvalve PotSock down on your tray – gold face outwards. Then place the Plate into the PotSock. The AQUAvalve and AQUAvalve Cover (not supplied) sit on top of the plate. We do still recommend use of that invaluable stalwart the AQUAvalve Cover in order to maintain positioning and double down on valve defence – especially if not using a PlantSkirt. But if you think that’s us done on new and innovative root control then you need to realign your mind with our reality.

We have a fresh PotSock designed especially for our new 20 L fabric FlexiPots and, like all good things in life, it’s robust and it has a drawstring on it. FlexiPot PotSocks are now supplied as standard in the UK and Europe with our XL FlexiPot Modules, AQUAvalve5 FlexiPot Module Accessory Packs, and FlexiPot Systems. A higher sock wall and the aforementioned added drawstring provide superb root control – even from the most agile root systems. Wrap your peepers around some essential viewing in the shape of this set up video. Remember to always put your drawstring on the non-valve side of the module tray and ensure the PotSock is tightly drawn to avoid impeding the AQUAvalve.

Carry on with your hole exposed and heaven knows what’ll end up in there. What to do then, if you’re growing in Auto3 XL or Auto9 XL and you’re limited on plant count? That’ll leave you with open holes in the module lid vulnerable to algae or debris. Or, perchance, the varieties that you’re cultivating this time around prefer a little extra space – again, leaving unprotected apertures. Enter the Blanking Disc. If it looks like shield that’s because it rather is – a right royal buckler, perfect for staving off the knavish unwanted attention of airborne contamination.

As we’re always growing there’s no end to the little innovations cropping up in our grow room. Check out our Insta and Facebook feeds to stay abreast!