Author Topic: Roots block watering tube  (Read 10500 times)

martin_l

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Roots block watering tube
« on: February 13, 2021, 02:00:57 pm »
Every year I have problems with roots, especially tomato plants, growing around and up the watering tube and making it difficult to fill the reservoir and interfering with the automatic watering sensors.  Has anyone else experienced this problem and found a solution?

Psyche

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Re: Roots block watering tube
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2021, 02:10:35 pm »
I get some roots in the box, but nothing on the level you describe. The roots usually rot during the winter and I do a flush in the spring when refreshing the box.

Do you have a lot of dirt that has fallen below the screen?  The air space below the screen is important for root control.

martin_l

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Re: Roots block watering tube
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2021, 08:03:57 pm »
No, there isn't any dirt below the screen to speak of.  I believe that the problem I have is actually the result of having very healthy plants that grow "wild" with very healthy and extensive root systems.  The issue is really with the indeterminate tomato plants.  I put two in each earthbox planter as recommended.

gardendoc

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Re: Roots block watering tube
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2021, 09:00:33 am »
I have 136 EarthBoxes and I've never had a problem with roots in the reservoir.

The reservoir "screen" is designed to promote air pruning by providing an air space between the reservoir water and growing mix. Are your EBs level? That can change the dynamics in the EB allowing water to maintain constant contact with the growing mix and encouraging the root growth. Just a thought.
Why Google, when you have me?

martin_l

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Re: Roots block watering tube
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2021, 12:52:39 pm »
Yes my EBs are level.  As I mentioned, I do use the EB automatic watering system so the reservoir is pretty much always full.