Small or Big Containers

I've always started my seeds in a small container because I have transplanted to outside. I am getting ready to start an indoor grow. For indoor grow, do you all start in smaller pots and transplant? Or do you start in the large pot you intend to grow in? I've read mixed reviews on it.

I start in small containers and transplant.
I find that it's easier to maintain the proper moisture level.......plus I get faster growth.

Hi,
Starting with small pots is beneficial to reduce the risk of overwatering for less experienced growers. Another benefit is the explosive growth seen from each up pot.

Starting in large containers, or final container, has benefits as well. Not disturbing the soil let's the microbe colony develop in the soil to full potential while the plant is vegging. No interruptions from transplantings. If going this route just keep the soil moist, being careful not to oversaturate the soil.

Which one works best? All depends on grower preference and style of growing. I do both and can't say there is any conclusive difference in one method or the other.

Happy growing!

MickFoster said:

I start in small containers and transplant.
I find that it's easier to maintain the proper moisture level.......plus I get faster growth.

Click to expand...

I think I am going to stick with what I know and start with smaller. Thank you for input.

Modern Selections said:

Hi,
Starting with small pots is beneficial to reduce the risk of overwatering for less experienced growers. Another benefit is the explosive growth seen from each up pot.

Starting in large containers, or final container, has benefits as well. Not disturbing the soil let's the microbe colony develop in the soil to full potential while the plant is vegging. No interruptions from transplantings. If going this route just keep the soil moist, being careful not to oversaturate the soil.

Which one works best? All depends on grower preference and style of growing. I do both and can't say there is any conclusive difference in one method or the other.

Happy growing!

Click to expand...

Thank you for input. I think I am going to stick with what I know and start smaller this time.

I enjoy seeing the plants bursting with growth after being transplanted into a larger pot. Very satisfying for us humans lol

You could always do one plant in a large pot to compare how they grow in your environment vs the smaller pots and up potting.

I always start in a 50mm (2") square pot. When they get to the 4th node I will pot them up into a 17L pot (4.5 US Gallon/3.8 Imp Gallon). This way they generally need no extra feeding until flowering starts.

Right into their final resting place 7.5 gallon fabric pots. No transplant for me.

Modern Selections said:

I enjoy seeing the plants bursting with growth after being transplanted into a larger pot. Very satisfying for us humans lol

You could always do one plant in a large pot to compare how they grow in your environment vs the smaller pots and up potting.

Click to expand...

Good idea! I think I will do one of each and see what happens.

420 Garden said:

Right into their final resting place 7.5 gallon fabric pots. No transplant for me.

Click to expand...

How much do you usually wet your soil at planting?

I've gone back and forth for 4 years. I prefer big pots. With little pots I noticed diminished yield, smaller less bushy plants and also way more watering interval requirements (watering once or twice a day).

In 10 gal pots of 70/30 coco/perlite I have been watering just until a little water comes out of the bottom into the tray and then I call it good for 2-3 days until they feel & look kinda dry then I repeat that same step, water in my nutrient solution until a little trickles out of the bottoms.

I have 1 row of plants that are drain to waste and 1 row of plants that are sitting in drain trays without any waste runoff. Both seem to be performing well although the non-runoff plants definitely hold a higher EC value in the rootzone which is to be expected with it not going down the drain..

Grow space and desired plant count is going to also dictate what size pots you use. I'm growing in a space where I can let each plant grow 4 ft wide and 6 ft tall, I'm not in a grow tent or closet, in those scenarios I would be using 5 or 7 gal pots. As you can tell there are many variables and things to consider.