Ed Rosenthal, the leading authority on cannabis horticulture, has some valuable tips for those looking to start their own homegrow in his book “Ask Ed: Marijuana Success.” In this excerpt, we will discuss how to create a wick system for your plants. This system is easy to set up, self-watering, and requires less maintenance than hand watering.
The wick system works on the principle of capillary action, where water is drawn up through a material, similar to how a tissue draws up water from a puddle. In this case, we will be using braided nylon rope as our wick. This system can support large plants and is simple and inexpensive to set up.
To build a wick system, you will need a tray that is at least three inches deep and wide enough to support your plant container. The size of the tray will depend on the size of your container. Next, you will need blocks to hold the container a few inches above the tray. This can be done with 2’x4′ or 4’x4′ boards, Styrofoam blocks, or an inverted plastic tray.
The container you use should be the same size as the one you would normally use for your plants. Holes should be drilled in the tray for the wicks to go through. The wick itself should be made of nylon braided rope, with the size depending on the size of your container. For smaller containers, a ¼-inch wick will suffice, while larger containers may need a ¾-inch wick. For wider containers, more wicks should be used to ensure water is drawn evenly across the bottom.
Once you have all your equipment, it’s time to set up the wick system. Place the wood or plastic supports in the tray and measure and cut the wick to the appropriate length. The wick should start at the bottom of the tray, go through the drain hole in the container, stretch across the bottom of the container, and go through the drainage hole on the other side, and down to the bottom of the tray.
Finally, add your planting mix to the container and make sure the wick is in place. As the water is drawn up the wick to the bottom of the soil level, it will start to wick up vertically into the soil, keeping your plants hydrated. This system works with most soil mixes, so feel free to use your favorite.
In conclusion, the wick system is an easy and efficient way to water your plants. With the right equipment and a little bit of setup, you can have a self-watering system that will take the guesswork out of watering your plants. So why not give it a try and see the results for yourself?
