start in big pot vs transplant

[jjfoo]

I've been told that transplanting correctly better utilises soil and I have also been told that it is best to never let roots touch the sides or better yet just start in a big container. I'm hearing things that completely contradict from people who seem to get good results. From my observations it seems like it doesn't matter.

Space is not an issue at all. I don't need to have run off. I'm using smart pots that are made of felt and roots don't circle but rather get air pruned.

Anyone have any reasons why I should not just start my babies in five gal pots?

 

[Bunz]

Roots are gonna naturally seek the bottoms & sides of a container, just as they would go as deep & wide as possible in natural conditions. Transplanting allows the roots to have new areas to grow. I always see a nice growth spurt after transplanting also.

 

[ureapwhatusow]

multiple transplants will give you denser root growth throughout all of the planting medium which equates to greater yield

whats grows above the ground relys on whats growing under the ground

 

[john cutter]

the biggest negative i see is trying to water a big container with a seedling in it evenly. Ive started seeds in 18 gal rubbermaids and it worked out but took a ton of water in the beginning

 

[RollmeoneKenobi]

multiple transplants will give you denser root growth throughout all of the planting medium which equates to greater yield

whats grows above the ground relys on whats growing under the ground

Reap said it best!

 

[Randybobandy]

Starting in a smaller pots can double growth. The wet dry cycle is critical. When your pot "dries" out pathogens die and oxygen is present in great amounts. Thats why hydro produces great results. Watering frequency and present oxygen. Imagine how stagnent conditions become in a pot that takes forever to water. Sure its more work but its way worth it. Small plants in big pots laaaaaaaaaag. Unless your in hydroton or the like.

 

[DHF]

Hey JJ.........It`s got nothing to do with utilizing the soil more efficiently by up-potting to bigger containers , but rather the fact that if you start seedlings/rooted cuts in large containers you run the very likely risk of killing smaller plants with new fragile root systems from overwatering/feeding due to the volume of medium in the bigger containers.........

There MUST be a drying out period for roots to blast off and search for moisture and nutrients with smaller undeveloped plant root systems......

I ran 5 gal smartpots for couple yrs coco DTW and if you don`t veg long enough to fill the bags with roots once the stretch is over then you should`ve used smaller containers........

But answering your question with a firm yes or no is tough cuz I know knowledgeable growers that take rooted cuts and put em in big containers and do well but they`ve dialed their strains and how much moisture it takes for the plants to take off and fill the containers with roots .......

It`s not advised as a rule of thumb for newer growers and that`s where up-potting/transplanting as they get bigger comes into play for a more foolproof solution.....

Take care...DHF....

 

[jjfoo]

I'm now thinking I'll veg in a smaller pot at first then experiment later when I learn more and know what to look for

Makes me wonder about the wet/dry cycle of outdoor plants

 

[BurnOne]

I germ my seeds or root my clones then I transplant them into big pots. Done until harvest. Easy is best.
Burn1

 

[staff11]

I just usually go from 1 gallon pots for seedlings into 3 gallon pots to finish up. One transplant, nice and easy. You have to be careful watering a new plant in a huge container, it's very easy to drown them.

 

[maryjohn]

Small plant big pot is great if you have to leave for a week.

 

[grapeman]

I clone directly in 1 qt. square pots. 8 to a tray and the humid dome fits over the pots. Then transplant to 3 or 5 gal pots for flower. About as easy as I found, and the nute savings about equals the extra work in transplanting one time.

 

[Kaneh]

Transplanting is the safest way.
BUT you can go straight to big pots if you water the soil before you put your seedling in. Soil must be just moist, not full wet or soggy.
small seedling can then grow there long time before you need to water. This way there's no change of drowning it. Let it use all the water before watering.

 

[stonedar]

I also advocate up potting or transplanting, I go root cube to 3" coco/peat cups to 1 gallon to 5 gallon. whether its clones or seedlings.
I like the idea of small smart pots say 1 gallon. then planting it smart pot and all into 5 gallon containers. I can see the benefits of something like that.
I like transplanting for a second reason, if for some reason (males/disease) I had to get rid of a plant in veg I didn't have so much used medium invested.

Burnone fails to mention above that he roots in party cups for 2 weeks before going into his large grow bags. not to speak for him just saying...

 

[BurnOne]

Burnone fails to mention above that he roots in party cups for 2 weeks before going into his large grow bags. not to speak for him just saying...

Correct. Sometimes I use those multiple square cheap plastic trays or the round 1qt. nursery pots. If I get males from seeds, I pull them up, clean out the root ball and reuse the soil.
Burn1

 

[Moldy Dreads]

multiple transplants will give you denser root growth throughout all of the planting medium which equates to greater yield

whats grows above the ground relys on whats growing under the ground

+3

 

[somebody041]

i've been wondering for some time which way is better. i'm glad we finally have a discussion about it.

 

[Mr. Greengenes]

I think if you amend the mix with lime, don't use too much nutrients, and water carefully you can do a decent job with small plant directly into a large pot. The key is carefull watering. But, I don't think you could ever match the speed of vegetative growth you get with a good multiple repotting system.

 

[Kcar]

Where do you find those big ass clear plastic domes? I use those square quarts as my
second stage pot. 3rd if you count the jiffy puck!

 

[desert fox]

Giving your plant fresh fertile soil is the best thing you can do for your plant. If you a new grower...It is also like a reset button. Wouldn't you like a get a "get out of jail free card?" to fix any problems that you encounter along the way.

I just re-potted today finally I dont have to water them daily. I am going to go play and forget about them for the next few days. I expect them to take off like rocket ships.