[crazycatwoman]

Hi All!

I have been really thinking about this idea I have for fertilizing outdoors. Maybe it isn't new at all but is already being done, I don't know. But, I wanted to run this by some of you people who have been growing for awhile. I need some feed back, as I haven't actually tried it yet. When planting outdoor and you are putting your plants in the ground. How about cutting white 2 inch round PVC pipes in 3-4 foot long sections or shorter dependiong on how deep your holes are. Then put small nail size holes all over the PVC pipes and set them into your holes or trenches as you plant your clones or seed starts. You would need probably 4-6 spaced in a circle around your plants. When you fertilized you could pour your mixtures down the tubes and get all the way down to the bottom of your root system and everywhere in between. You would have to leave the top two or three inches exposed above the dirt to not loose the tubes in the soil. I am thinking this would be a better way to disperse the Mycorrhizae and other fertilizers you use through out the grow season. I came really close to trying this in my outdoor garden this year but ended up not doing it. What do some of you think about this method of fertilizing and are any of you already doing this or is it a silly idea? Thanks for the imput.......


Purrs...........catwoman

[IAmProton]

I plan on starting an outdoor grow soon of some Lowryder2 I will have more than one crop, if it's possible I will try this in one of them. It seem's like a very plausible idea that could most certainly help make a difference. If I get my seeds soon and all goes well with the sowing and what not I will try this and keep you updated.

[rottenjohn]

Well, Im my opinion if you placed the pvc at the bottom pf the hole that was dug in a boxed configuration or whatever you could keep the deepest portion of the roots moist and this would be a more efficient way of watering seeing as that you wouldn't need to pour as much water on top to get a good soak all the way through. Actually in thinking this through a little more it would be good to have a larger diameter tube running in the ground, at least 6 inches 8 being better and having it reduced to a smaller section of pipe so it could act as a small underground res that could slowly water the plant depending on the number and size of holes drilled into the pvc.

The pipe could be reduced at the top and bottom so you don't have a huge pipe sticking out of the ground. Best way to test how efficient would be at least two strains, one traditional and one with the pvc setup to give a decent control group for shits and grins.

It has been done, I read about this in a book. Each plant really only needs 1 pipe. No real need to circle the plants with em.

I think this was the book It was in.

[IAmProton]

Owl, do you remember if it worked out well for them? Is it worth doing?

Well, I took a look at that book. (Any rhyming is accidental.)

It just has a small pic showing how to do it, Cervantes doesn’t go to deep into it. I'm sure it works well however, I can see no reason it shouldn't.
As far as "is it worth it"? The cost is minimal, but honestly so is the improvement. IMHO Ether way your pouring the stuff into the ground. Though I guess with the pipe, so long as you only have smallish holes, It should act as a reservoir, conserving the water. So sure, Its worth it.

Another good way to conserve water would be to line the hole (before your soil is put in) with plastic sheeting. That way whatever you put in stays in.

[IAmProton]

Considering I have trouble with drainage sounds like this method is not for me, but maybe if I find a spot that needs a reservoir I will most definitely try it.

[crazycatwoman]

You guys have made some really good points. I think I"m going to work it so I can emplimate this in my garden next summer. I wish I would of taken the time to get it going this summer. But, I was in a big hurry to get
my plants in the ground by a certain moon cycle. Rottonjohn, I like your idea about reducing the pipe on the top and bottom and having a larger one in the ground. I will have to read you post again to make sure that is what you were saying. IAmProtein, let me know how it works for you this summer if you try it and have good results. I guess it's not an original idea if its been done. I didn't know that it had been written about. I really don't see any use doing it for an indoor grow. But in deep holes out side, I think it would work good. Thank you all so much for your comments, it is appriciated. You have givin me some additional ideas to think about.


Purrs,

Catwoman

[rottenjohn]

You got exactly what I was saying. Hope it works well for you. Happy growing.

[IAmProton]

If I do implement it I will definitely let you know Cat, but the weather here has been quite rainy and a res might be overkill, it would be nice if it worked vice versa and if I could also use it to syphon excess water from the roots to prevent rot.