Gardening
Everything you need to know about SIP GARDENING
SIP gardening
Today we are going to talk about “SIP GARDENING.”Watering has become a daily multi-hour task. Conditions were hot and windy, rapidly evaporating water from the field and always leaving plants appearing parched. If you see for answers to combat these, SIP gardening is the best answer.
Sub Irrigated Planter is becoming a fashion among many nowadays.
Until now, you have only heard of SIPs.
What was the experience like?
Did it take your breath away the first time you saw a self-watering soda bottle planter? The answer is yes, of course!
An eye-opening experience! In the realm of gardening, this sub-irrigated planter reservoir is a game-changer.
SIP Container Gardening
Sub-irrigation gardening is the method of watering plants from underneath the soil level via Capillary action.
What is a Sub Irrigated Planter?
The key distinction between SIP gardening and regular container gardening planters is that with SIPs, water is delivered from the bottom and absorbed by capillary action through the growth material. This strategy saves water and ensures that moisture retains where it is most needed — at the roots.
How does a SIP planter work?
Water runs into a chamber of pipes beneath the soil as you pour it through its fill tube with a submerged planter. Soil water wicking is a natural process that occurs when a chamber fills to capacity, and the soil is saturated. You won’t water your plants as frequently if you use this method. The soil (potting mix) must be too thick or compact to allow the procedure to operate. It must have places for air molecules to adhere to as they climb.
How do you make a SIP container?
Various prefabricated SIP options are available for purchase, but they can be rather expensive and may not meet your desired production level. As a consequence, making your own is preferred.
To move, you’ll require:
- 1 Bucket with tape
- 1 Grid pot
- 1 Plastic tube – It can be plastic, PVC, or a piece of hose… What is important is that it must be longer than the bucket’s height. Recycle the bottom of a bottle, a yoghurt. Whatever you think could serve.
- Plastic elbow
- Plastic joint
- Plastic bridle
- Black plastic bag
- Drill
- Cutter
- Scissors
- Marker pen
Step by step guide to make a SIP container
- Remove the bucket’s lid and cut the middle of it with a cutter.
- Place the grid pot in the Centre of the lid and cut it. Make the hole slightly smaller than the edge, so the plastic container fits perfectly. This is the floor compartment’s bottom. Make holes in the lid and secure it with flanges.
- Then cut the tube along the low lateral of the smaller cube. It doesn’t have to be smaller. The irrigation tube will run through the substrate and floor to the water tank.
- Using a 6mm bit (any size would suffice) (about 20 or so), pierce some holes in the bottom of the smaller container. These holes require drainage.
- Cut the irrigation tubing in half diagonally to avoid it being obstructed by the water tank’s bottom.
- Make four thin vertical incisions (with the cutter) in the plastic. Do not cut to the top or bottom!
- Place the grid pot next to the bucket pot, so their tops are level. How high is the grid pot above the bucket? Make a mark on it. This is the water tank’s capacity.
- Drill two holes in the bucket (one on each side) (just under the limit marked in the previous step). These perforations prevent the tank from being overfilled.
- In the bucket, place the grid pot top and the irrigation tubing.
- Attach the irrigation tubing to the funnel using tape. This will help while filling the tank.
It is SIP time! With only a little substrate, you can grow everything from seeds to clones. After placing your seedlings or cuttings, moisten the surface from top to bottom and compress the substrate.
VEGGIES THAT GROW WELL:
- Peppers
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Corn
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Basil
- Parsley
What is the max depth of the SIP gardening bed?
I would propose 24 “as a definite maximum. If the soil becomes excessively dry at the top, you may need to water it occasionally at the soil surface. To compensate, you may choose to add some coir or vermiculite to the mix to increase wicking. 16.5-inch depth “is an excellent point of reference.
SIP Gardening Advantages
- In a plant-to-plant comparison, water use is reduced by 80%.
- Production yield is doubled.
- There are no weeds.
- Ideal Growing Environment
- Simplified Growing Process
- Lifestyle Balance
- Grow Anywhere
- Increased Longevity and Rot Protection
Problems with Sub Irrigation Planters
- Because SIPs rely on capillary action to transport moisture from the reservoir to the planting media, they will not operate with conventional garden soil.
- It considers too thick to use in a sub-irrigated system or in any other way.
- It compacts easily and prevents water from being distributed evenly.
- Not too practical for large-scaled gardens.
- More attention to the substrate
- Attention with salts.
SIP Limitations
- Special potting mix required
- Perennial fruits & herbs are prohibited
SUB-IRRIGATED vs HYDROPONICS?
Sub-irrigation is not hydroponics. It’s not a passive hydro system. Hydroponically produced plants get all their nutrition from a water solution. The dirt is inert and supplies only structure. Sub-irrigation is a way of providing water. A hydroponic arrangement can be sub-irrigated or top-watered. If you give your plants a complete nutrient solution, your SIP system is hydroponic.
Tips for Self-Watering Planter Success
- Remember to top up the water store repeatedly.
- Empty pools in unused outdoor SIPs before freezing weather come.
- Continue to water newly planted SIPs sparingly until you see that water is draining from the reservoir.
It doesn’t matter if you have a little space, a window sill or a basement; SIP gardening may use in any of these places. To achieve the most outstanding results inside, utilize full sun intensity grow lights.
CONCLUSION
Professionals in the fields of gardening and landscape design may use SIP CONTAINER GARDENING to transform urban areas, water sustainably & increase food production by using them. With the above SIP gardening tips, you can update your Good House Keeping Tips and enjoy the daybreak.