faq

Are the pots recyclable?

Yes. GreenSmart™ pots are completely recyclable.

How do I assemble the pot?

  • Fit the washer with the indents in a position on the visual water indicator.
  • Insert the visual water indicator into the pot.
  • Fit the 2nd washer on the inside firmly against the side of the pot.
  • Fasten the nut making sure it is fitted tight to prevent leaking. (IMPORTANT)
  • Ensure the visual water level indicator is fitted properly and there are no leaks by filling the visual water indicator to maximum level and check for any water leaks.

What are the contents in the starter pack?

  • A pot for planting.
  • A visual water level indicator.
  • A washer with indents to fit the locking systemof the indicator to the container.
  • A washer to prevent leaks from inside.
  • A nut to fasten the indicator to the container.
  • Lid for the indicator.
  • A perforated inner plate for aeration with 6-8 legs.
  • A plastic cover.
  • Instructions for assembly and usage of pot.

Will I be able to grow vegetables all year round?

Yes. Different vegetables and herbs can be grown in the GreenSmart® pot seasonally, dependent on the climate/geographical location.

Some examples of different produce that can be grown in different seasons:

Cool Season:

Broadbeans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kohirabi, Onion, Pak Choy, Peas, Shallots, Snow Peas, Spring Onions, Turnips, Parsnip.

Intermediate Season:

Globe Artichoke, Beetroot, Bok Choy, Carrot, Potatoes, Radish, Silver Beet, Spinach, Parsley, Onion, Lettuce, Leek, Kale, Garlic, Florence Fennel, Endive, Celery.

Warm Season:

Capsicum, Chilli, Chives, Okra, Pumpkin, Tomatoes, Basil, Beans, Climbing Beans, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Gourd, Melons, Malabar Spinach.

Can I grow fruit in the pots?

Many smaller fruits can be grown eg strawberries, rhubarb, blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries.

Is there anything I cannot grow in GreenSmart® pots?

Most vegetables or herbs can be grown in GreenSmart® pots. Plants such as strawberries can be grown if the pots are placed in a higher elevation so that the runners can cascade from the pot. Climbing plants can be grown using a staking system. Asparagus is not suitable because the roots clog the water reservoir.

Do I need to put GreenSmart® in sunlight?

Yes. GreenSmart® pots need to be placed in areas where the plants will receive up to a minimum of six to eight hours of sunlight per day.

Can GreenSmart pots be over or under watered?

Plants cannot be over watered as excess water above the maximum water level (on the visual water indicator) will flow through the overflow holes. Plants in GreenSmart pots will be self-watered without any interruption to the transpiration pull at their own unique rate. The only way to underwater is if you don’t fill the wicks incorporated in the inner plate (tubes) firmly with potting mix during the time of setting up your GreenSmart pot or by letting the water reservoir run dry.

Does it really self-regulate its water?

Yes. Vegetables and herbs grown in GreenSmart pots always obtain their optimal amount of water due to the capillary action. All that needs to be checked is the water in the visual water indicator each week to make sure that the reservoir is not empty.

How often will water need to be added?

Water only needs to be added when the visual water indicator reaches low. The frequency differs depending on the type of produce planted and the weather.

What is Dolomite?

Dolomite is a natural source of calcium and magnesium. It is a soil additive that is also used to balance pH levels of growing mediums. Dolomite is faster acting than lime.

What kind of fertiliser does GreenSmart need?

Non-organic or organic fertiliser can be used.

Why do you recommend potting mix rather than soil as the growing medium?

If soil is used, some of it gets washed down into the water reservoir, resulting in a mud build up in the reservoir.

Do I need to change the potting mix every time I plant a new crop?

No. The same potting mix can be used for up to 5 crops of either the same or different produce. We recommend tipping out the potting mix to aerate it after the crop has been removed and then replacing the potting mix in preparation for replanting. New fertiliser will need to be added as it will have been exhausted by the previous crop.

Do I need to use fertiliser?

We recommend adding fertiliser to your potting mix prior to planting to provide additional nutrients for your plants as follows for a large pot:

  • One handful of lime
  • One handful of dolomite
  • One handful blood and bone
  • Three handfuls Yates Dynamic Lifter (based on chicken manure)

Quantities are halved for a small pot.

The lime and dolomite adjust the pH of the potting mix and increase the availability of nutrients to plants.

To save you the trouble of buying all these ingredients we supply this as a pre-pack for only $5 for feeding a large pot or $4 for a small pot.

Additional liquid fertiliser can be applied later through the water level indicator.
Eg liquid seaweed, worm wee, liquid fish fertiliser, comfrey tea.

What kind of potting mix should I use?

Most kinds of potting mix are appropriate for use in GreenSmart pots. An organic potting mix made with tree bark is preferable in order to prevent any nitrogen lock ups.

How do I prepare the pot for planting?

Planting Preparation:

– The GreenSmart pot should be placed where it will receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.

– Fill water reservoir through visual water indicator to maximum level.

– Place inner plate in the GreenSmart® container.

– Fill to the halfway line with potting mix (not soil). It is important that the inner plate slots are filled firmly with potting mix as these slots will act as wicks and draw water to the plant.

– Add dolomite and fertiliser (the prescribed amounts according to the manufacturers instructions), to potting mix to fill the rest of the pot.

Planting Method:

Method 1

– Mix the fertiliser as listed above to the top 3-4 inches of potting mix in the container.

– Dig a hole into the potting mix and place the plant firmly in the potting mix.

– Water the plants from the top (when initially planting only) to remove any air pockets from around the roots.

Optional

Method 2 – When using the plastic cover (recommended)

– Mix the fertiliser as listed above to the top 3-4 inches of potting mix in the pot.

– Stretch the plastic cover over the top of the GreenSmart pot and secure the top edge of the box. Cut 4mm “X” (cross cuts) in the plastic cover to plant each seedling.

– Dig through the plastic cover into the potting mix and place the plant firmly in the potting mix.

– Water the plants from the top (when initially planting only), through the crosscut, to remove any air pockets from around the roots.

What size and colours do the pots come in?

Two sizes are available: small (56.4cm L x 39.9cm W x 23cm H) and large (73.6cm L x 43.9cm W x 29cm H). There are three colours: black (licorice), green and cream.