Putting 4" transplants in a bucket of water

Cherokee_Motley · April 25, 2009

Ok, all my seedling have gone from seed cups to 4" pots and are doing great. Over the last week, I have harden them off. I have learned over the years not to plant until May 1 in my area so they are going to spend at least another week on my deck.

Here is my question, rather then water the 4" pots top down with a hose / water can is there a benefit to putting the transplant in a bucket filled with 3" of water and letting it soak for 30-45 seconds?

From my point of view, I should be able to water less since the soil/compost mixture is getting a good soaking and roots will have more reason to fill the pot since there will not be dry spots which happen from top down watering.

I have to many plants to do a traditional "Wicking" bottom water method which is why I am thinking about this approach.

Thanks --

robin303 · April 25, 2009

I do it and when they stop floating around I keep them in clay trays before I plant them out.

creister · April 25, 2009

It has worked for me in the past with no problems.

Ruth_10 · April 25, 2009

I use plastic trays or dishpans rather than a bucket. The method works fine. A plus is not getting the foliage wet.

Blueaussi · April 30, 2009

I like to bottom water as long as possible.

April 25, 2009	#1
Cherokee_Motley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 18	Putting 4" transplants in a bucket of water Ok, all my seedling have gone from seed cups to 4" pots and are doing great. Over the last week, I have harden them off. I have learned over the years not to plant until May 1 in my area so they are going to spend at least another week on my deck. Here is my question, rather then water the 4" pots top down with a hose / water can *is there a benefit to putting the transplant in a bucket filled with 3" of water and letting it soak for 30-45 seconds?* From my point of view, I should be able to water less since the soil/compost mixture is getting a good soaking and roots will have more reason to fill the pot since there will not be dry spots which happen from top down watering. I have to many plants to do a traditional "Wicking" bottom water method which is why I am thinking about this approach. Thanks -- __________________ To grow a heirloom tomato is to grow a little taste of history.

April 25, 2009	#4
Ruth_10 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MO z6a near St. Louis Posts: 1,349	I use plastic trays or dishpans rather than a bucket. The method works fine. A plus is not getting the foliage wet. __________________ --Ruth Some say the glass half-full. Others say the glass is half-empty. To an engineer, it’s twice as big as it needs to be.

April 25, 2009	#2
robin303 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Austin, TX Zone 8b Posts: 531	I do it and when they stop floating around I keep them in clay trays before I plant them out.

April 25, 2009	#3
creister Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Abilene, TX zone 7 Posts: 1,478	It has worked for me in the past with no problems.

April 30, 2009	#5
Blueaussi Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Carolina Zone 8a Posts: 1,205	I like to bottom water as long as possible.