Hey folks! I've been diving into gardening by watching videos for about 4-5 months now, and I'm finally ready to start planting! I've come across a bunch of different methods like traditional in-ground, pot planting, grow beds, grow bags, and even some hydroponic systems. The SIP (Sub-Irrigated Planters) or wick methods stood out to me because I worry I might forget to water my plants regularly. So, my main question is, aside from the watering aspect, what's the real difference between using SIP/wick buckets and traditional planting pots?
Also, I noticed that while some videos suggest adding fertilizers like 4-6-4 and limestone, others just say to focus on good soil and watering. Do I really need fertilizers if I go for SIP/wick? And what about if I just plant in traditional pots—should I think about using fertilizers there too? I might have more questions down the line, but I'd appreciate any advice for now. Thanks!
2 Answers
Generally speaking, your plants can survive without fertilizer, but they'll probably thrive better with it. It's all about experimenting, so I recommend just getting started with one method and learn as you grow! It's tough to figure everything out just from conflicting advice online. Grab a beginner's gardening book, choose a plant, and see how it goes. You'll gather so much practical knowledge along the way!
Whether you need fertilizer really depends on what you're growing, the size of your pot, and the soil type. For instance, with tomatoes, they need specific nutrients at different growth stages, especially calcium and phosphorus, while reducing nitrogen as they fruit. If you're using organics, you might need to supplement those nutrients as they grow. The wick method can definitely work, but be sure to clean it out occasionally to prevent algae. Hydroponics is great, just keep an eye on those nutrients! Every method has its quirks, so start small, learn about essential nutrients, and adapt as you go. Good luck and happy gardening!
Thank you very much for the insight. Will try starting small and see where it goes. If I am doing seedlings, should I get smaller pots first and grow inside, or can they go into a bigger outdoor pot?
Thank you for the help 🙂