water Bottom Watering Question???

[Matt50680]

Ok, I hear lots of people talk about this. I am a little confused though, are you pouring water into a pan underneath the pots and allowing it to soak (wick) up into the soil? Is this better for the seedlings? How much water do you use?

 

[AlabamaJack]

simple answer to your first 2 questions is yes Matt...but after I plant out, they get watered from the top...

with a little experience knowing the weight of a well watered plant or tray, you will know when they have had enough...I usually let mine soak until I can see the top of the soil darken up from moisture...

knowing that weight is the key...pick up a tray that has not been watered and one that has been and just see the difference in weight...sometimes up to 2 pounds...

 

[POTAWIE]

I agree with AJ but I don't let the top soil get wet, I like to keep the top of the soil dryish to avoid algae and fungii etc. Ideally I'd rather use less water but water more frequently

 

[Matt50680]

The only reason I ask is it seems when I water, i get a dent in the growing mix I am using. I am going to try bottom watering and see how they like it. Thanks for the informations and happy growing.

BTW, Potawie your avatar is just plain wrong!!! But funny as hell

 

[Downriver]

I do the same as AJ.

Another reason to water from the bottom is to avoid "disturbing" the roots, especially in newly sprouted or young seedlings.

jmo

 

[wordwiz]

Since hearing about bottom watering (thanks, Pam, via AJ) that's the only way I do seedlings. I've never had a problem with damping off or algae on the top. I also try to use only rainwater though we had one prolonged frigid streak and had to use tap water. But I aerated it for a couple of days and also let it warm to room temps.

YMMV,

Mike