New Grower Is It True ????

[smw5767]

Hi Fella's,
That you start your AUTO seed's,sprouted or un-sprouted in their final pots,unlike Photoperiod? If so why is this?
Cheers Guys

 

[realcarlos]

Hey there smw.
Photos and autos are different when it comes to transplanting due to the reason that autos are on their own schedule, photos on the other hand are in your schedule (flower them whenever you feel like it)
Since transplanting can cause shock, it would take time for plants to recover, and since autos are already on a schedule it's not a good idea to transplant.

So it would be best to put them in their final container or do a tier method transplant (less shock)

 

[smw5767]

Thanks Carlos,
whats a tier method? Do you use it or go straight into final pots?
Cheers mate

 

[savoy]

I start them in 1 liter soda bottles then transplant into 2 gallon containers when the show sex, 2-3 weeks. They usually perk up and get back to growing within a day. I feel like having them in final pots at the start makes it trickier to water since seedlings need very little, most of the water will go to the bottom of the pot and miss the small root system. The reason for the soda bottles and not party cups is the height. The taproot can grow the full length as if in a full sized pot and not hit bottom as quickly.

 

[Muddy]

I basically use the same method as Savoy, only use cut off 1/2 gallon juice containers instead of soda bottles. Soon as they sex I transplant to 3 gallon nursery pots. Within 24 - 36 hours of transplants the plants are back to their normal growth. I also find it easier to control water/feeding in the smaller pots. A 3 gallon pot may take a week or more to dry out and need more water. In the juice containers I can water about every 4 days. I've done it both way and find I get bigger plants in veg with the juice containers.

Some people are afraid to transplant and in that case, the tiered method works well. Two party cups, one inside the other. The inner one has the bottom cut out, the outer one has some drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the inner one with soil and plant your seed. When it's time to transplant, simply pull the inner one out and bury it about half way deep in your final pot. The roots will grow out the bottom and into the bigger pot.

 

[smw5767]

Cheers Guy's,
The Tier Method sounds very clever,i like it,certainly makes sense when you think about it.
So you actually LEAVE the inner pot in the final pot for good,so to speak?I guess it just rots away during watering,over time? If so,you are almost NOT transplanting,hence NO shock? AMAZING!!!
Very much appreciated your great info Guy's,Thank You!

 

[Muddy]

Yes, its a no touch form of transplanting. You just leave the inner cup. It won't rot away, since they are usually plastic or styrofoam. If you use that method, get as big of cups as you can find. 32 oz. at the minimum, 44 oz. is better if you can find them.

 

[Irish Pride]

i saw first hand just how true this is. i started all my auto's in the 72 cell tray/dome and transplanted into the final hole outside a week after they aprouted and 85% are stunted. i stunted lowriders, masterlows, a jem, some auto diesel, and maybe even my auto asian haze although they seemed to take it alot better than everything else, the auto asians are 2-3 ft starting to show flowers but the other stunted ones are the size of a lollipop.

this is a huge problem for me due to the way i put things out and the numbers. next year im going to try to put them in 4in square pots or party cups but i cant really go bigger than that or i wont have space to start the numbers i would like to. im planning to put out 200-300 next year with over half being auto's

 

[smw5767]

Thanks Muddy,
A little confused though,my apologies.The cup's you use,are they the small ones about 5 inches high? Also,if you only cut the bottom out of the one you plant in the final pot,wont the sides of the cup restrict the roots that grow sideways in the final pots,if you know what i mean.Sorry for so many questions.
Thanks again.

 

[Muddy]

No apologies necessary, we're here to help get you off to a good start.

No, those cups are too small, probably only 10 or 12 ounces. You want the big ones, like you might find in fast food restaurants.

By the time your plants sex the cups will be full of roots. When you plant it the roots will grow out the bottom and spread throughout the whole bigger pot. By the time the plant is done you won't be able to remove that cup to easily. All the roots in the big pot will be holding it in.

What kind of soil are you planning on using? I would also suggest you find out about pH and how it effects the plants, if you don't already know. Most common plant issues stem from incorrect pH. Check the Reference Links forum and the Tips and Tricks Knowledge Base for information on pH.

Thanks Muddy,
A little confused though,my apologies.The cup's you use,are they the small ones about 5 inches high? Also,if you only cut the bottom out of the one you plant in the final pot,wont the sides of the cup restrict the roots that grow sideways in the final pots,if you know what i mean.Sorry for so many questions.
Thanks again.