NFT Growpots perform four functions:
- To hold the growing media together so it doesn’t fall apart and disperse in the recirculating solution.
- To accommodate the root system during the early stages of seedling development.
- To prevent light entering the NFT gullies which can contribute to algal growth.
- To prevent organic material from entering the gully which contributes to sedimentation & biofilm.
NFT growpots are filled with a suitable growing media such as pumice, vermiculite, perlite, coconut media, expanded clay balls, or a combination of each. Seeds are then planted into the media.
After the seeds have been planted, the growpots can then be placed in a suitable propagation system such as an Ebb and Flow table until the seeds germinate and become developed. After a suitable leaf and root system is established, they can then be placed directly into the main NFT growing system where the media will remain moist due to capillary action from the thin film of nutrient solution flowing past the base of the pot.
As the plants grow their root systems will fill the growpots and spread through the slits in the base of the pot into the NFT gully. The root system will then be exposed to the nutrient film as it flows along the gully, providing the full nutrition for plant growth.
When mature, plants such as lettuce can then be harvested and sold while still in the growpots. This extends the shelf life of the plant because the roots remain undamaged whilst still maintaining moisture around the root zone. Alternatively, a grower may wish to remove the plant from the growpot, sterilise the pot and reuse it for their next crop.
The beauty of grow pots is that they contain a larger media volume compared to cell trays or rockwool cubes. This allows for more extensive root development and enables the seedling to be grown to a larger size and kept in the nursery system for longer e.g. for 4 weeks instead of 2 or 3 weeks. This frees up more space in the main growing system which is where the main capital investment is. When the seedlings are transplanted into the main NFT system, they take off faster due to the larger root system and foliage area.
Less time in the main growing system and faster through put = more crops per year and more income for the grower as valuable NFT hole spaces are not being used up by an underdeveloped seedling.
Pure Hydroponics has the following growpot types and sizes available:
White NFT Growpots
White NFT Growpots are a uniquely New Zealand designed range of NFT growpots.
These pots are made of white rigid plastic with special drainage openings in the sides and base.
The pots are designed to be removed, cleaned and reused for multiple crops.
Some growers also sell the plants while they are still in the pots to improve marketability and shelf life.
The growpot sizes are as follows:
- 60mm growpots – 50mm Diameter Lip at Top, 60mm Long, 40mm at Bottom – Suits 100x50mm Gully
- 75mm growpots – 50mm Diameter Lip at Top, 75mm Long, 35mm Diameter at Bottom – Suits 100x50mm gully or 150x75mm gully
- 80mm growpots – 50mm Diameter Lip at Top, 80mm Long, 35mm Diameter at Bottom – Suits 100x50mm gully, 150x75mm gully, or 250x80mm gully.
Available in:
- Boxes of 1000 Pots (75mm size only)
- Boxes of 2000 pots (80mm size only)
- Boxes of 3675 Pots (60mm size only)
- Or sold individually (All sizes)
Green Lattice Pots
NFT Lattice Pots are ideal for plants that have a larger root system or require extra support in the gully.
They are also suited for growing clusters of herbs for cut foliage production.
The Lattice pots have a sturdy construction and have criss crossed sidewalls (lattice) for excellent aeration and the promotion of root emergence.
These durable pots can be cleaned and reused time and time again.
Dimensions:
- 90mm Outside Diameter Lip at Top
- 80mm Internal Diameter Inside Lip to fit an 80mm plant hole
- 80mm Long
- 55mm Diameter at Base
- Colour: Green
- Suits 100x50mm, 150 x75mm or 225x80mm gully.
Living Herb Pots
Pure Hydroponics can source a wide range of black, green or terracotta coloured pots suitable for Living Herb production.
These Living Herb Pots are lightweight and have a thin-walled construction with no perforations in the sidewalls, only in the base.
Clusters of herbs such as Coriander & Basil can be grown in the pots and sold to the market as a living plant packaged in a polypropylene display sleeve (see the section: Vegetable & Flower sleeves).
Consumers then purchase the plant while it is still growing in its pot and take it home where it is kept on the kitchen window ledge and watered. The foliage is then trimmed upon demand for use in cooking.
The pots look very attractive and greatly enhance the saleability of the plant in the marketplace.
For these types of pots the hydroponic gully needs to be drilled with larger plant holes to accommodate the larger diameter pot. Specialised NFT benches are usually dedicated for holding this type of pot.
A popular pot size for this purpose is 90mm in diameter and 68mm deep.
Contact Pure Hydroponics to discuss prices and sizing.
