The Autopot Easy2Grow 60 Pot System is a hugely popular modular watering system that is in use the world over. One of the main benefits of the system is that it requires no power input at all, so is great for use in greenhouses, polytunnels or just at the end of the garden. Each tray contains 2 pots and links to the water tank through a system of pipes and takes only what the plant requires. The AquaValve that sits in the tray lifts up and down as the water level rises and falls. When the plant uses more water, the valve drops and lets more water in, stopping when it reaches the right level.
This one factor alone makes a huge difference to a grow as plants always have the perfect amount of water and nutrients. Systems that work with a pump usually give equal water to each plant, whether it needs it or not. This can lead to drought or waterlogging, depending on where the plant is in the system. With an Autopot, the plant takes what it needs and is kept in the sweet spot by the AquaValve. On an Easy2Grow System, one Aquavalve serves 2 pots in one tray, meaning you can squeeze more plants in with less valves. As the 2 pots will be close together, they’ll tend to have the same water needs.
A very versatile system
Another great feature of the Autopot Easy2Grow 60 Pot System is that it is endlessly extendable. You can start with this system and just add more and more Easy2Grow Modules as you require. There really is no limit to the number of pots you can add, you just need to upgrade the water butt to be able to supply what you have. What’s also great is that you can have the system set up in any shape space you have, it doesn’t need to be square! The pipe runs to wherever you need it, and the water flows just the same as through a short pipe. The only requirement you need for an Autopot Easy2Grow 60 Pot System is a level base for the tray.
What media to use in an Autopot system
Here too, the Autopot Easy2Grow 60 Pot System is very flexible. You can use any media you want, but it should be free draining. Autopot recommend using a 50/50 mix of coco coir or soil with perlite, vermiculite or clay pebbles. You can use Hydrococo 60/40 or Ecothrive Coco Lite 70/30 and adjust a little if you want. Or you could use a soil such as All Mix or Light Mix and add more drainage material to that. As the pot sits in a small amount of water permanently, too heavy a medium would become waterlogged. Free draining media in an Autopot means there is more air available and water supply is no issue. The Easy2Grow System comes with a choice of pot – 8.5L or 15L to give you more options. For smaller plants that don’t get so big, the 8.5L pot is ideal as you’ll use less media, especially in systems with lots of pots. The 15L pot has the same footprint as the 8.5L, but is taller. Use these pots to grow plants that will be much bigger.
New, bigger, wider pipe and fittings
The Autopot Easy2Grow 60 Pot System now comes with 9mm pipework and fittings instead of the 6mm from older systems. This wider size means less risk of blockage and faster water flow. It’s always a good idea to clean your system between grows and if possible use a clearing agent in the water butt to help stop problems. Products such as Keep it Clean or Flash Clean are a great option for this. This system comes complete with a 400L water tank.
There is loads more information and growing tips on the Autopot Website. (opens in a new window).
Alternatives to the Autopot Easy2Grow 60 Pot System
At Straight Up Hydro, we have many options when it comes to gravity fed systems, many from Autopot. These include the Autopot 1Pot system, the 1Pot XL System, the 1Pot XL Flexipot system as well as the Alien EasyFeed with 10L, 16L, 22L and 30L Pots. All of our hydroponic systems are on our website here.
