Frequently Asked Questions about Container Irrigation
What is Container Irrigation?
Planter Technology applies sub-irrigation fundamentals to developing irrigation solutions for any pot or planter in any location. The types of products vary, but the goal is the same: Allowing containers to be maintained easily, reliably, and with a minimum of effort.
What is Sub-Irrigation?
The term refers to any method of watering plants by allowing water to soak up into a plant by introducing the water from the bottom. It is a common method for watering bed plants in greenhouses, and has been used by professional landscapers for over 20 years. In containers it is commonly (and misleadinly) referred to as "self-watering".
Why is Sub-Irrigation Interesting?
Sub-Irrigation is healthier for the plant. When the soil is watered from below, the water dispersion is more consistent, providing for more even root development, stronger root systems, and a more even watering cycle. Salts are pushed up away from the feeding zone of the plant. Sub-Irrigation systems commonly are provided with a reservoir below the soil, allowing for longer intervals between watering.
Why aren't all plants sub-irrigated?
Most forms of sub-irrigation are difficult to control. Sub-irrigation necessarily involves the soil absorbing water. Providing a reservoir with excess water capacity encourages the soil to absorb more water than is required (until the soil is saturated, or the reservoir runs dry). Soil saturation squeezes the oxygen out of the soil, stressing the plant. The saturation may lead to root rot and unhealthy plants. Once the soil dries back down, oxygen is allowed back to the roots of the plant. Filling the correct amount of water in the reservoir of other manufacturer's sub-irrigation systems is often nothing more than a guessing game.
How are Planter Technology's Container Irrigation Systems different?
The vacuum sensor system incorporated into each container irrigation product precisely controls the amount of water in the soil, perfectly balancing the water and oxygen needs of the plant. Instead of guessing how much water to put into the reservoir, the maintenance person simply tops off the reservoir.
Do Planter Technology's products need plumbing?
In a word, no. For interior applications, no irrigation or drainage plumbing is required — the systems are self-contained, and waterproof. For exterior applications, an overflow drainage adapter must be utilized to allow excess rainwater out. Irrigation water is contained by the action of the adapter. It is helpful, however, if there is a central water source available for filling the units.
Why use container irrigation?
Like any irrigation system, the benefit is twofold. The contractor is able to be more efficient doing their job, and the maintained material will look better. There is hardly a commercial installation that doesn't utilize irrigation to keep the turf and ornamental plantings looking good with a minimum of effort. The same isn't true with containers. Typically, if pots are used at all, they have to be hand watered (involving large amounts of labor), tied into a plumbing system, or worst of all, simply neglected.
What makes Planter Technology different than other sub-irrigation manufacturers?
Usability, Trainability, Reliability. The Container Irrigation products we manufacture are designed to be easy to install as well as easy to maintain. Combining the simplicity of the system with the support provided by Planter Technology, you get the easiest system to train to the maintenance crews. Planter Technology is the leading manufacturer of container irrigation systems, and has been creating these solutions for over 20 years.
How do I get further information?
Simple! Just email us at info@plantertechnology.com or call 800-542-2282.
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