New Grower Can a pot ever be too big?

[JJ05]

I keep hearing people say anything over 5 gallons is too big for an auto? But they never say why? So why? I am running mine this year in 8 gallon containers. So what if we grew out autos in the ground where they have unlimited space. Would one consider this too much space? I'm just confused bc I thought the more room the better. Plus wouldnt a plant with more space perform better than one in smaller space?

 

[The Squid]

There is just only so much space that the plants' root zone will ever take up. For Autos I have mostly read that anything over 3-4 gallons is basically overkill on using that much medium, water and nutrients.
Even if it were in the ground it's only going to grow out so far. Now photos on the other hand will use much more space. I have seen pics of some huge roots from outside photo plants.
You can run those 8 gallon and post your results. I hope it helps, but I don't see it making much of a difference from using just a 3-4 gallon, even just a three, that's pretty damn big for Auto roots. Hope this helps.

 

[ashcream]

I grow Northern Lights Auto in 5 gallon pots, and the root ball takes the whole 5 gallons up every time.

 

[JJ05]

There is just only so much space that the plants' root zone will ever take up. For Autos I have mostly read that anything over 3-4 gallons is basically overkill on using that much medium, water and nutrients.
Even if it were in the ground it's only going to grow out so far. Now photos on the other hand will use much more space. I have seen pics of some huge roots from outside photo plants.
You can run those 8 gallon and post your results. I hope it helps, but I don't see it making much of a difference from using just a 3-4 gallon, even just a three, that's pretty damn big for Auto roots. Hope this helps.

Do you think the will perform fine in the 8 gallons? The bigger pots shouldnt have any negative effects on them should they? It wouldnt be any different than planting in the ground I'd assume.

 

[JJ05]

I grow Northern Lights Auto in 5 gallon pots, and the root ball takes the whole 5 gallons up every time.

See, I heard this about alot of autos which is why I got the 8 gallons for a little extra space. Plus they were the same price as the 5 gallons.

 

[The Squid]

Correct. You'll need a really good soil ph tester, because you won't be getting runoff for a while if ever, but you still have to stay on top of that ph. Even when planted outside, a lot of growers still dig say a 5 gallon hole and fill it with mix, but yeah I'm sure the roots make it beyond that.

And hey, ashcream here says he uses 5 gallon and it fills up every time. If that's the case then it could definitely use more space. I just don't think that this is always the case, it all depends. Are you growing outside or inside, ash?

 

[JJ05]

Correct. You'll need a really good soil ph tester, because you won't be getting runoff for a while if ever, but you still have to stay on top of that ph. Even when planted outside, a lot of growers still dig say a 5 gallon hole and fill it with mix, but yeah I'm sure the roots make it beyond that.

And hey, ashcream here says he uses 5 gallon and it fills up every time. If that's the case then it could definitely use more space. I just don't think that this is always the case, it all depends. Are you growing outside or inside, ash?

Outside, strains I have and will be growing will be Purple Jem, S.A.D, Sweet Special, La Diva, G13 Pineapple Express and Dutch Passion Blueberry auto and Pakistan Ryder

 

[ashcream]

Inside, but I only grow Northern Lights auto. So it may be just that strain I don't Know.

 

[JJ05]

I usually grow in the ground with my photos, but wanted to keep my autos in the container I started them in so I went with the 8 gallon for a little extra space incase they felt the urge to use it. I'll be posting pics in the next cpl weeks. Plan to germinate soon

 

[The Squid]

Do it up on those 8 gallon man. But like I said, you'll need a good soil probe tester. I strongly suggest this one>>> http://www.horticulturesource.com/control-wizard-control-wizard-accurate-ph-8-p3015/