Posted on by Grubbycup

Blumat Bucket Watering System

Water is held in the bucket, and released as the clay spike becomes dry.
Water is held in the bucket, and released as the clay spike becomes dry.

This Smart Pot has sprouted sunflowers.

Blumat bucket fitting
Blumat bucket fitting

To attach the fitting to the bucket, a hole needs to be made.

A hot soldering iron can make holes in plastic buckets easily and without splitting.
A hot soldering iron can make holes in plastic buckets easily and without splitting.
Here the Blumat bucket fitting is installed
Here the Blumat bucket fitting is installed
The Blumat spike should be filled with water and soaked for an hour before use.
The Blumat spike should be filled with water and soaked for an hour before use. The cap on top adjusts the watering level, so should be set to shut when wet, and open when dry.

I haven’t had the pleasure of trying these before, but the concept seems very cool. If they work well, it could be very useful in areas where water has to be carried and left.

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Posted on by Grubbycup

Setting up an UNO Grow Tent.

UNO Grow tents still in the boxes.
UNO grow tents still in the boxes.

Oh frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! The fine folks over at UNO Horticultural Lighting were kind enough to send me a pair of very nice 4’x 4’x 6.5′ garden tents.

UNO garden tent with instructions
UNO garden tent with instructions

I really appreciated that they included instructions. Putting a tent together is one of those activities where thinking before acting comes in handy. I have put together “brand X” tents that came without instructions, and while it is simple enough once you get the idea, at least glancing at the directions can help.

The directions were clear enough to follow, although I found that since I was assembling it without help, it was easier to assemble from the bottom up, rather than in two assemblies.
The directions were clear enough to follow, although I found that since I was assembling it without help, it was easier to assemble from the bottom up, rather than in two assemblies.
One nice thing about these brackets, is that the poles just slide in, and there is no "right side up" to worry about.
One nice thing about these brackets, is that the poles just slide in, and there is no “right side up” to worry about.
Although it was pretty apparent which piece was which, I appreciated that the poles were labeled (and came with directions).
Although it was pretty apparent which piece was which, I appreciated that the poles were labeled (and came with directions).
The top and bottom frame are identical. Two poles that fit end to end form the upright supports.
The top and bottom frame are identical. Two poles that fit end to end form the upright supports.
The two assemblies fit together, one on top of the other.
The two assemblies fit together, one on top of the other.

UNO garden tent frame (complete)

This is the completed frame (above). Once you have the frame completed, it is time to cover it with the tent shell.

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Relax. Start with the bottom. Unzip the door opening fully. Find the bottom section on the shell, and fit it to the frame. Then carefully work the rest of the shell over the frame. Don’t rush it, and don’t get frustrated. It fit easily and without trouble for me, but it is the sort of thing where if you fight it, it will fight you back.

There are duct openings on each of the three walls, and one on the top.
There are duct openings on each of the three walls, and one on the top.

This is one thing I’d look at when shopping for tents. This tent has lots of options for ventilation and cords. Other things to look closely at are the stitching, and quality of the zippers. I found these tents to be much better made than some of the “Brand X” tents on the market.

View of three of the passive vents (can be opened or closed), the three cord tunnels, and the two side panel openings.
View of three of the passive vents (can be opened or closed), the three cord tunnels, and the two side panel openings.
I really like the UNO Grow Tent. They are better made than many I've seen, with several vent openings that can be opened or closed as needed.
I really like these tents.

I was pleased with how easily they went together, and the quality of the materials used. I’m really looking forward to trying them out. With two tents, either one can be set to growth and the other flower, or tests can be run “head to head”.

Peace, love, and puka shells,
Grubbycup

Posted on by Grubbycup

Rapid Rooters – General Hydroponics

Rapid Rooters by General Hydroponics
Rapid Rooters by General Hydroponics

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I’ve had good luck with Rapid Rooters from General Hydroponics. They are used to start seeds or cuttings. If they dry out before use, you can re-wet them.

They work well as long as they are kept moist, but not soggy.

Rapid Rooters are single use.

Made by General Hydroponics

Squash Sprouts

Rapid Rooters

Squash roots in Rapid Rooter cube.
Squash roots in Rapid Rooter cube.