Why we’re now stocking AutoPot Systems: Less Watering, More Growing

If there’s one thing we know about growing chillies, it’s that keeping plants happy takes time. From watering and feeding to keeping an eye on developing fruits, there’s always something to do in the polytunnels or greenhouse!

So, when we came across AutoPot watering systems, we decided to put them to the test ourselves. We trialled them, were really impressed with how they worked, and now we’re excited to be stocking three AutoPot systems at South Devon Chilli Farm.

Whether you’re growing chillies in a greenhouse, raising seedlings on a potting bench or simply looking for an easier way to keep your plants watered while you’re away, there’s an option to suit you.

The best bit? AutoPot systems work without electricity, pumps or timers. They use gravity and a clever valve system to deliver water to your plants when they need it, helping to take the constant job of watering off your hands.

Here’s a closer look at the three systems we’re now stocking and what makes each one useful.

What is an AutoPot watering system?

AutoPot is an automatic watering and feeding system designed to make growing plants simpler. Rather than watering each pot by hand, you connect the system to a reservoir of water, adding plant nutrients where appropriate, and let the system do the work.

At the heart of the system is AutoPot’s AQUAvalve, a specially designed valve that controls the flow of water into the growing tray. As plants take up the water available to them, the valve allows more water to enter when needed.

There’s no electricity to connect, no timer to programme and no pump to maintain. You simply need to keep an eye on the reservoir and top it up when necessary.

For chilli growers, this is particularly useful during the growing season, when plants can be thirsty and regular watering becomes part of the daily routine. It can also be handy for tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, herbs and plenty of other plants.

We liked the simplicity of the system when we trialled it. It’s a practical bit of kit that can make growing easier, whether you’re new to gardening or have been growing for years.

1. AutoPot 4Pot System: Give your chillies room to thrive

If you want to grow four healthy, productive plants without spending every day watering them, the AutoPot 4Pot System is well worth considering and is even endorsed by The RHS. 

Designed to give each plant its own growing space and individual water-control valve, this system is ideal for chilli growers who want to make the most of their plants. It’s particularly well suited to larger, bushier varieties that need room to develop and produce a good crop.

The kit includes four 15-litre pots, individual watering trays and AQUAvalves, a 47-litre reservoir, plus the pipework and fittings needed to connect everything together.

Once set up, the system automatically supplies water to each plant as needed, with the option to add suitable nutrients to the reservoir. There’s no electricity, pump or timer required, and you can expand the system as your growing ambitions increase.

Who is it good for?

• Chilli enthusiasts who want productive plants. Give each plant its own pot and watering valve, allowing it to develop at its own pace.

• Growers looking to reduce daily maintenance. Spend less time watering and more time enjoying your plants as they grow, flower and fruit.

• Greenhouse gardeners. Make the most of your growing space with a system designed for a range of plants, including chillies, peppers and aubergines.

• Anyone planning to grow more. The modular design means you can expand beyond four plants using compatible extension kits.

When we trialled the AutoPot systems, we could see the appeal of having a reliable watering setup that takes some of the routine work out of growing. For anyone who loves growing chillies or other plants but could do without constantly checking whether their pots need watering, the 4Pot System is a particularly useful option.

Our tip: Give each pot one plant and enough room to grow. With the right variety, growing conditions and care, you can enjoy some impressive plants and a rewarding harvest.

2. AutoPot Tray2Grow: A versatile option for seedlings, pots and grow bags

Not everyone grows in the same way. You might have seed trays on a potting bench, a collection of smaller pots, grow bags full of tomatoes or a mixture of plants that need watering throughout the growing season.

That’s where the AutoPot Tray2Grow comes in.

Tray2Grow is a versatile, power-free watering system that can accommodate several different growing setups. Depending on how you configure it, you can use it with seed trays, small pots, grow bags, microgreens and suitable planters.

It uses the same reservoir-fed watering principle, with the AQUAvalve controlling the supply of water to the tray. Capillary matting or capillary spikes can be used for different growing arrangements, helping to distribute water to the plants or growing medium.

Who is it good for?

Tray2Grow is particularly useful for:

• People raising seedlings and young plants. It can help keep propagation trays supplied with water without needing to water them individually so often.

• Growers with a mixture of plants. Its flexible design makes it useful for more than one type of growing setup.

• Tomato and vegetable growers. It can be used with suitable grow bags and planters, as well as smaller pots.

• Anyone working with limited space. It’s a useful option for a greenhouse bench, potting area or other suitable growing space.

We think this is a particularly interesting system for people who enjoy growing from seed. Keeping seedlings watered can be a fiddly job, especially when you have lots of trays to look after. Tray2Grow offers a way to simplify that part of the process while giving you flexibility as your plants develop.

It’s also worth considering if you like growing a mixture of chillies, herbs and vegetables rather than sticking to one type of plant.

Our tip: Think about what you want to grow before choosing your setup. Tray2Grow can be configured in different ways, so it’s worth checking the arrangement and accessories needed for your particular plants.

3. AutoPot easy2GO: A simpler way to keep your potted plants watered

Already have a collection of pots and trays? You might not need a complete new growing system.

The AutoPot easy2GO Kit is designed to turn a suitable garden tray into an automatic watering system. It includes the valve and fittings needed to connect your tray to a water reservoir, allowing your existing potted plants to be watered from below.

Simply position the kit on a suitable, level tray, arrange your pots around it and connect it to your reservoir. The system then supplies water as the plants need it.

It’s a straightforward way to make watering easier without having to replace all your existing pots.

Who is it good for?

The easy2GO Kit is a great option for:

• People who already grow in pots. You can use a suitable existing tray rather than investing in a complete pot system.

• Holidaymakers. It can help keep your plants watered while you’re away, provided your reservoir has enough water for the duration.

• Busy gardeners. Reduce the amount of time spent watering individual pots.

• Greenhouse, conservatory and balcony growers. It can be used in a variety of growing spaces, provided you have a suitable tray and reservoir.

We particularly like the idea of this system for anyone who has a collection of chilli plants in pots and wants to make the day-to-day routine a little easier.

It’s also a useful option if you’re going away for a few days and don’t want to rely entirely on someone else remembering to water your plants.

Our tip: Check that your tray is level and that your pots are suitable for bottom watering. How long the system can run unattended depends on your reservoir capacity, the plants and the growing conditions, so always plan ahead before a holiday.

Which AutoPot system should you choose?

Not sure which one is right for you? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

All three systems use the same basic idea: a reservoir supplies water, and the valve controls when more water enters the system. The difference is how you want to grow your plants.

If you’re starting from scratch with a few chilli plants, we’d look at the 4Pot System. If you want flexibility for seedlings and different types of plants, Tray2Grow is worth a look. And if you already have pots and trays that you’re happy with, easy2GO could be the simplest solution.

Why we decided to stock AutoPot at South Devon Chilli Farm

We’re always interested in products that genuinely help people grow better plants. We grow thousands of chillies on the farm ourselves, so we understand how much time watering can take, particularly when plants are growing strongly and the weather is warm.

We didn’t want to stock these systems simply because they looked like a good idea. We trialled them first, and we were impressed with how straightforward and useful they were.

What stood out was the combination of simplicity and flexibility. There’s no electricity required, the systems can be adapted to different growing spaces, and they take away a repetitive job without removing the enjoyment of growing.

They also make a useful addition to the growing equipment we offer, whether you’re setting up your first greenhouse or looking for ways to make an established growing space more manageable.

And while we’re always going to be particularly interested in how these systems work for chillies, you don’t have to be a chilli grower to benefit. They’re worth considering for a wide range of greenhouse and container-grown plants.

A few things to know before getting started

AutoPot systems can make watering much easier, but they’re not entirely maintenance-free. There are a few things to bear in mind:

• Keep your reservoir topped up. The system can only supply water while there’s water available.

• Use the right feed for your plants. Follow the system instructions and the guidance for your chosen growing medium and nutrients.

• Set everything up correctly. Trays need to be level, and the pipework and valves should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Keep an eye on your plants. Automatic watering doesn’t replace checking plant health, managing pests or making sure your plants have the right light, temperature and growing conditions.

Once everything is set up properly, the aim is to spend less time watering and more time enjoying the results.

Less time spent watering, more time growing. That sounds good to us.