Let me get the low down on transplanting

Whats going on? I was wondering if I could get a few people to tell me the ins-and-outs of transplating my plants from 2 ltr soda bottles to larger pots. Tell me anything and everything I need to know. The only specific question I have is about how much gravel should I put in the bottom? 1/2''? 2''? The least is best, so I can leave more room for dirt and root developement. Thanks alot.

 

First of all...go down to your local nursery...or Home Depot/Lowes...and ask the people working the garden area to set aside the 1 gallon containers that come in and they "throw away" when they move the plants to larger planters. The best ones are 4"-5" square at the top...and they "line up" very nicely when you're starting your seeds/clone grows.
Then, get some 5 gallon buckets...which you can find for free if you look around. Restaurants get LOTS of stuff...like pickles...in 5 gals., and they throw them out or recycle them. Painters use them too...but make sure they're clean.
Cut the 5 gals down to 3 gals or so...unless you're planning on "mothering" a plant...and there you go!!
Since you're dealing with soil the 3 gal size is appropriate since they'll be cut down eventually. If you use good soil (high-end planting soil w/nutes and vermiculite) you can use it again. Just take the root ball...wack it a bunch...and re-use the soil.

You don't need ANY gravel at the bottom with good soil.

Happy growing.

 

There ya go Trader good as new:>)

 

Quick note make sure anythings ya plant in have got holes in the bottom 4 drainage and maybe a gap at the bottom so water can drain away properly.

 

^ Great advice - I was thinking this might have encouraged the problems encountered earlier.

 

Yeah RockLob, I forgot to mention the (5) 1/2' holes in the bottom. Good job picking that up.

And get those cheap, clear plant trays from hardware store too...because when you're away from the plants over a week that's a good place to store a bit extra water. The plants won't soak it up till they need it.

 

Thanks. I got/had holes in all containers for drainage. Thats a no-brainer to me (I know a bit and have a little common sense). So I was reading somewhere sometime (can't remember....fucking pothead) that when you transplant to wash the roots gently and maybe even manipulate them some for some benefical effect? I'm not sure, I think I was stoned when I read this, hence all the vaugness. I appreciate the help though fellas.

 

With most plants if it is badly root bound you want ot manipulate the roots in such a way to train them to grow out again when you put them in a new pot instead of having them grow around in a circle. If they arnt badly root bound i would worry about much.

As stated about don't put any rocks in your soil or at the bottom of the pot. How would you like your bottom to hit hard rock? not very fun haha. Plus if you have decent potting soil it will allow for good enough drainage and there is no need for rocks.

 

Thats a good point as a rule when repotting I always try t tease the roots out so I have something that looks like a root mass rather then pot shaped lol.

 

I just transplanted my plants from 10cm pots to 11g pots.
Used the same growing medium, waters it before making the hole, put the plants in the hole and watered the plant.
Make sure roots are facing down, and do at night as it reduces stress on the plant.
I found it very easy and now they're expolding in size.

 

Also remember that when transplanted/put under stress plants will look for nutrients for so than under regular conditions