Rootbound seedlings?

[Master Shake]

Hello tomato lovers,

I am wondering how big you let your seedlings grow and in what size pots until you plant them outside?
I don't want to up-pot them, just from first small pot to garden.

Also, how detrimental is it if seedlings get rootbound?

Thanks.

[zipcode]

I find it's somewhat detrimental. They stop growing for a while, even in new conditions, but I would say it's not a long term problem. When they start getting an overall kind of purple tint on the leaves, it's probably time to up pot.

[b54red]

I find it helpful to breakup the root ball somewhat so new roots grow faster. If they are really root bound needing quite a bit of root ball breakup then they will usually need watering for the first week or so after setting them out if it is hot. I find this really speeds up root growth and though it may slow the plant for a few days or even a week in the long run it makes a big difference.

Bill

[zeuspaul]

It depends on how bad it is. I once bought some closeout plants without checking them. They were so bad I never got them to grow. The root ball was a solid mass of roots.

[slugworth]

I take a knife to it and cut it square
Then all the stubs are aimed outward.

[Master Shake]

Thanks for the replies.

[Master Shake]

If a plant was rootbound, not crazy but still a little rootbound, would shaving the outer layer of roots off (maybe 5mm off each side) with a blade and then planting the seedling fairly deep be a good idea?

Or just loosen it a little?

I'm just trying to get the best possible start this year, and the only thing that i'm worried about is whether i've planted them in pots too early and they'll get a bit big.

The year before last was a pretty good harvest for the small effort i put in but last year i put in more effort but had a worse harvest, so this year i'm trying to prepare early.

Thanks again. PEACE

[slugworth]

Give it a shave and plant deep.