Hi all! I started already some kratky 1L pots with soms herbs. Now I want to build a DWC container. I read and watched a lot about it, but still have some questions.
In the container I want to grow herbs (basil, parsly, mint, chives, …) and test with some vegetables (bell pepper, spring onion, tomatoes, …)
For the container I have a Ikea Kuggis box. Size 33*52*21cm (= 36 liters or 9.5 gallon)
– Will this work or is it too big? Will the roots fight to survive?
– Can I mix different plants/herbs in the same box?
What size of cups should I use and how many?
– Should I use all 2", 3" or a mix for the plants I want to grow?
– How many holes should I drill? Is 12×3" OK? Is 24*2" OK?
I will add a grow light and maybe a pump with air stone if neccessary. For nutrients I use Plagron Hydro A+B 1 ltr.
Thank you for your help.
by PoodleNoodle2077
1 Comment
Yeah, that’ll probably work. The only disadvantage to the tub being larger is that if you get something like tomato blight. I have two 30 gallon systems. I use 14gallon HDX totes with a layer of black spray paint and a layer of white after that’s fully cured. Looks like the Grey would have been the better choice to block light. You likely will have algae with that. Also, the handle needs sealed because you’ll lose a lot of water with the bubbling. Other than all that, it’s nicer looking than an HDX tubs.
You can mix whatever you want. Some prefer different parameters (NPK, PH, EC, PPFE, ETC.) but most will accept middle range stuff.
Where to drill the holes and which sizes to use depends on the size plants you want to grow. Measure the netcup. Don’t assume it will be a 2″ hole saw bit. If its not exactly right, a pipe deburring tool is nearly required. Has to be the right kind though. You can grow one large plant in a 2″ netcup. People do nearly just that for one cannabis plant. It’s essentially “medialess”. I’d look at the spacing for lettuce and do that. No matter where you drill the holes you’ll wish you’d done it differently. You might even buy a second container for the lid. I don’t think you’ll fit the numbers your saying. Flip the cups upside down and see what the spacing looks like.
The roots will definetly tangle with eachother. I dunno if that means competing, but it’s fine AFAIK.
I’d say the air pump is necessary. My guess is that doing them kratky instead of dwc will increase the chance of one plant getting sick and killing them all.