|
 Some of these posts are very old and might contain outdated information. You may wish to search for newer posts instead.
|
 TrueHerbCrystal
Uncertified Oregrowian
 
Registered: 02/07/09
Posts: 1,352
Loc: Emerald City 
Last seen: 6 years, 2 months
|
 Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? 
#351583 - 01/21/10 08:03 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I'm soon to start my first own grow project, and I wanted to find out what you guys think about transplanting seedlings with soil/pot based cultivation.
I'm thinking about just growing 1 or 2 seeds in a large pot (that it will be in its whole life) and completely avoiding transplanting, which has the risk of shock to the plant.
So, I ask you experts, Could I sprout a seed in a large pot, and keep it there for the entire growth cycle? Or is transplating seedlings from small pots to larger one absolutely necassary? I know the drawbacks are the risk of shock to the young plant and extra work but....What are the benefits of transplanting?
Thanks for any useful help,
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~
|
 Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
|
 Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
#351602 - 01/21/10 08:16 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
The benefits of using smaller containers for seedlings is that you have better control over moisture content. When you put a seedling into a very large pot and water it you have a shit ton of soil that just sits there staying all soggy since there is no root system that can suck the water out.
In all honesty man transplant shock isn't really anything to worry about. 90 % of the time I don't even see it.
--------------------
Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
|
TrueHerbCrystal
Uncertified Oregrowian
Registered: 02/07/09
Posts: 1,352
Loc: Emerald City
Last seen: 6 years, 2 months
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#351650 - 01/21/10 09:06 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Alright, good to know! Thanks Hawks.
Just in case transplants were necessary/better, as told by you guys, I bought some of these small pots called "Plantable Pots" by a company called FiberGrow. Basically, you can just plant the whole pot, because its made of fibers.
Do you use something similar? Or do you just take it out of a regular small pot and transplant just the soil+roots?
~ TrueHerbCrystaL ~
|
TheShroomJew23
The Chemist
Registered: 10/02/08
Posts: 739
Last seen: 13 years, 10 months
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
#351655 - 01/21/10 09:15 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I use the same kind of pot, no problems, just plant the pot into like a 6in pot when you see the tap root coming out the bottom. Remember when you plant the seed the seed should face up and the lil baby just came out of the seed shell root should face down.
--------------------
|
Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: TheShroomJew23]
#351683 - 01/21/10 09:51 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I just transplant from container to container. I've never had experience with those types of pots. Sounds nifty though.
I like reusable things though. Less money to spend in the long run. But I think what your talking about would work great as well.
--------------------
Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
|
TrueHerbCrystal
Uncertified Oregrowian
Registered: 02/07/09
Posts: 1,352
Loc: Emerald City
Last seen: 6 years, 2 months
|
 Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#351689 - 01/21/10 10:06 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I totally agree: reusing things is where its at. I try to re-use my cloth bags everytime I go to a store to buy stuff.
I would of bought regular plastic ones until I looked at the price tag: these "plantable" fiber pots are only $1.90 for 8 pots, each with a 3" in diameter.
I didn't check the plastic pot price, but it can't be that much less than 24 cents per fiber pot.
And I bought these at a speciality store, so it could be even cheaper at a large wholesale store.
Now I really excited to buy my seeds and get them planted in these little fiber pots.
Thanks again Hawks & ShroomJew, you've both been very helpful. 
Gotta Pot-to-Pot
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~
Edited by TrueHerbCrystal (01/21/10 10:07 PM)
|
Inverted
CNC Machinist/Greenthumb
Registered: 06/01/08
Posts: 9,953
Loc: North Star
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
#351827 - 01/22/10 10:03 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Well in the Nursery world it's called Upcanning and it is a proven method of as Hawk said, controlling medium moisture, and causing the roots to branch out more and effectively use more of the soil/whatever medium.
I start with 16oz Solo cups for 2-21/2 weeks, then to 1 gallon for more than half of vegetative growth, then finally to either 2 or 3 gallon containers to finish in. I grow plants from 2-3 feet tall in those containers with no problems.
Transplant shock is confusing. From professional growers I have learned this - that the shock is not usually from the physical transplant process, but from the transition to an different rooting environment. I have yet to see stress after this information. He also showed me how to gently dismantle the bottom half of the rootball and spread the roots out in an outward direction from the core when transplanting so that they are already a couple inches into the new medium and will have no problem exploring the new space. I even damage the roots quite a bit sometimes and see ZERO stress still, because I make SURE to match the fresh space's moisture content and nutrient content because that is where the shock stems from. If you think about it, it's pretty obvious, that if the new pot and soil have a PH that is a little different than the soil the plant is currently living in, it's going to go through shock from the rapid change.
I'm sorry to rant and not really have the links to back up what I said but I hope you listen to what I have told you because it was a huge step in my technique that seemed to have solid positive results.
--------------------
Don't criticize what you can't understand
|
DudeTron
Registered: 10/24/09
Posts: 407
Last seen: 10 years, 11 months
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Inverted]
#352901 - 01/25/10 04:48 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I'm diggin the Peat pellets for seeds this time around.. you could look into those as well. They make all kinds of humidity domes and 'seedling' related products, many of which are suited to the peat pellets.
So I was wondering then guys; What IS a good moisture content for transplant? Dry medium into dry medium? Wet to wet? Somewhere in between?
My girl is really into plants and she swears by 'watering in.' IE, basically a really good flush and drain in the new container... What do you guys think of that? Hope it's relevant enough and not a threadjack...
|
Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: DudeTron]
#353406 - 01/26/10 01:54 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I always water my plants the day before I plan on transplanting. And then make sure that the soil I'm transplanting into is a little more moist than the current soil.
--------------------
Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
|
TrueHerbCrystal
Uncertified Oregrowian
Registered: 02/07/09
Posts: 1,352
Loc: Emerald City
Last seen: 6 years, 2 months
|
 Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#353412 - 01/26/10 01:59 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
That's interesting you say that because Inverted said just the opposite: he likes to transplant to a drier soil than the original pot.
Hmmm...I guess both will work. I just don't want to drown/saturate the seeds during the transplant phase.
How many transplants have you down Hawks? Have you had good sucess with those using your technique?
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~
|
Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: TrueHerbCrystal]
#353416 - 01/26/10 02:14 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I have done hundreds of transplants. This method works for me. Other people have other methods. They can work as well.
If your going to do my way then just make sure that the soil you transplant into isn't soggy, and shouldn't have a problem. Just make sure that the soil is pH balanced and has the same amount of nutrients in it, as in the soil that your plant is in.
There is always more than one way to do things. I prefer this way. I like having the a medium that will allow my plants roots to grow into it and have water to draw off of at the same time. And as long as your not transplanting into too big of a container it shouldn't be a problem.
--------------------
Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
|
DrGreenThumb
Registered: 08/09/08
Posts: 487
Loc: Phish Tour
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#353473 - 01/26/10 09:48 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
How come no one ever mentions Peat Pots when it comes to transplanting.???
You can start off in a 3-5 inch peat pot and when the roots surround the pot just transplant to whatever you want with NO root damage! The roots are already spread around the bottom of the pot so there is no need to touch them. Just moisten and plant. Seems like the BEST METHOD that no one mentions.  
--------------------
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -Dr. Seuss
|
DrGreenThumb
Registered: 08/09/08
Posts: 487
Loc: Phish Tour
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: DrGreenThumb]
#353474 - 01/26/10 09:50 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Oh yeah, plus the roots get more air in their seedling stage allowing for more vigorous growth early.
--------------------
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -Dr. Seuss
|
Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: DrGreenThumb]
#353596 - 01/26/10 04:49 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Well it's basically the same thing as a rock wool IMO.
Were more talking about your transplant from your first container to your second. Not from germination/cloning point.
--------------------
Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
|
DrGreenThumb
Registered: 08/09/08
Posts: 487
Loc: Phish Tour
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#353761 - 01/26/10 08:52 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Yes, rockwool is exactly the same concept. The thing that I like most about the peat pots is you can go right from the peat pot to your final container whether it be 1 or 5 gallon.
I really don't see a need for transplanting more than once whether it be an indoor or outdoor grow.
I really can't believe that more people don't use them around here.
--------------------
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -Dr. Seuss
|
Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: DrGreenThumb]
#353765 - 01/26/10 08:57 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
People do use them. And you can do the exact same thing with rockwool if you want to. The reasons we transplant more than once have already been discussed in earlier in the thread.
--------------------
Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
|
DrGreenThumb
Registered: 08/09/08
Posts: 487
Loc: Phish Tour
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#353772 - 01/26/10 09:02 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
Yes, I realize that. But I can't see going any bigger than 5 gallons indoor or getting them bigger than 5 gallons before they go outdoor. Therefore there is no need to transplant more than once.
You can go from a large peat pot to a 5 gallon bucket, or from a small peat pot to anything under 5 gallons. See what I'm saying???
--------------------
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -Dr. Seuss
|
Hawksresurrection
Registered: 12/04/08
Posts: 13,464
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: DrGreenThumb]
#353789 - 01/26/10 09:15 PM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
My plants go into 30 gallon containers, 2 per container. Even if I was was using 5 gallon container for plants I would transplant from a 1 gallon. You just get better moisture control. Sure it works your way as well. But I prefer to keep all growing conditions under tight control, and that includes the rooting zone.
--------------------
Dude she isn't as young as she use to be.
-niteowl
|
DrGreenThumb
Registered: 08/09/08
Posts: 487
Loc: Phish Tour
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#354019 - 01/27/10 05:02 AM (14 years, 10 months ago) |
|
|
I see your point. If I was going as large as 30 gallon I would definitely transplant more than once also.
However, for 5 gallon buckets, I find that if you go from a large peat pot directly to the bucket it only takes about 1 week for the roots to hit the sides. I have no idea how long it takes for roots to fill the bottom but it can't be far behind.
--------------------
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” -Dr. Seuss
|
TrueHerbCrystal
Uncertified Oregrowian
Registered: 02/07/09
Posts: 1,352
Loc: Emerald City
Last seen: 6 years, 2 months
|
Re: Is Transplanting Seedlings Really Necessary? [Re: Hawksresurrection]
#388388 - 03/22/10 06:43 PM (14 years, 9 months ago) |
|
|
I know this is an old thread, but I think my young plant is ready for transplant, and I need some help....
So, I used Inverted's math of transplant a plant grown in a 16 fl. oz. Dixie(r) cup to a 1 gallon (128 fl. oz.) container. This is a 1-to-8 ratio, or the 2nd container should be 8 times larger than the original seedling container.
Is this "rule" for transplanting container right or does it only apply to Dixie Cups?
I ask this because I started my plant NOT in a 16 fl. oz. container, but instead, in a 4 inch high x 4 inch wide clay pot. Its pictured below (photo taken Saturday, March 20.)
So, by my Math and Inverted's advice, I should transplant to a pot 32 inches (1 foot 8 inches) wide, 32 inches (1 foot 8 inches) tall. Is this right?
Thanks,
~ TrueHerbCrystal ~
|
|
Threaded
Previous
Index
Next
Edit 
Reply 
First Grow Journal
