Re-potting -- how big?

Greatgardens · June 21, 2020

I'm now starting my seeds in "deep root" 6-packs. I still think that I will need to re-pot before planting. (?) Typically, the plants go to the cold frame for a couple of weeks before the weather is settled enough to go outside to an EarthBox or Gro-Bag. With my current 4.5 X 4.5 X 3.5 (High) pots, watering becomes critical, especially if the weather stays bad and the plants need an extra week or so in the cold frame. I'm thinking of getting some 4.5 X 4.5 X 4-7/8 deep pots to get a little insurance.

So what are others here doing? What size are your plants when they go into a permanent container?

Father'sDaughter · June 21, 2020

I have some that go from 3.5x3.5x5 inch pots straight into the ground that do just fine. As long as I wait until it's warm enough, they take right off and can double in size in just the first week. Our last frost is around May 5-10th, but I always wait until Memorial Day Weekend to put them out.

slugworth · June 21, 2020

I get dishpans from the dollar store and burn holes in the bottom.
Put potting soil and the plants in.

slugworth · June 21, 2020

Boxcar Willie I started may 9th and aren't old enough to go out on their own.
Holes in the bottom,other ones I have are intact no holes,sometimes I double
them up if I have to be away from home and can't water.

taboule · June 22, 2020

Since you're starting your seeds moderately late (IMO), I wouldn't think about potting up. As soon as the little seedlings are hardened, I'd plant them in the ground. Along with what FD said, I often go from 2x2x2 cubes, or pucks, straight in the ground. It is warm enough by now isn't it?

slugworth · June 22, 2020

Outdoors in dishpans during the day,indoors under lights til 9pm.
nighttime outdoor temps here are still in the 50's.
indoors a lot warmer.
Sometimes I hit them with the xenon strobe light at night,1 sec. on 1 sec. off
to stimulate.

slugworth · June 22, 2020

I normally start seeds in March but because of the covid got off to a late start.
I buy plants but start seeds of oddball stuff I can't buy locally.
Some plants were big enough @6 weeks to plant.
Others were runts.

June 21, 2020	#1
Greatgardens Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,124	Re-potting -- how big? I'm now starting my seeds in "deep root" 6-packs. I still think that I will need to re-pot before planting. (?) Typically, the plants go to the cold frame for a couple of weeks before the weather is settled enough to go outside to an EarthBox or Gro-Bag. With my current 4.5 X 4.5 X 3.5 (High) pots, watering becomes critical, especially if the weather stays bad and the plants need an extra week or so in the cold frame. I'm thinking of getting some 4.5 X 4.5 X 4-7/8 deep pots to get a little insurance. So what are others here doing? What size are your plants when they go into a permanent container?

June 21, 2020	#2
Father'sDaughter Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MA/NH Border Posts: 4,919	I have some that go from 3.5x3.5x5 inch pots straight into the ground that do just fine. As long as I wait until it's warm enough, they take right off and can double in size in just the first week. Our last frost is around May 5-10th, but I always wait until Memorial Day Weekend to put them out.

June 21, 2020	#3
slugworth Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: connecticut,usa Posts: 1,152	I get dishpans from the dollar store and burn holes in the bottom. Put potting soil and the plants in.

June 22, 2020	#5
taboule Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: MA Posts: 903	Since you're starting your seeds moderately late (IMO), I wouldn't think about potting up. As soon as the little seedlings are hardened, I'd plant them in the ground. Along with what FD said, I often go from 2x2x2 cubes, or pucks, straight in the ground. It is warm enough by now isn't it?