me and my boyfriend are trying to figure out if you can skip the 2nd transplant and go right from a sprout to the large and final pot.

he swears its better, but i dont think its as good. i think the 2nd pot helps you control the surroundings better and keep an eye on progerss.

so...here is my question.

can you go from sprout to final pot and get the same results as if you had used the 3 step method?

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You can plant a seed in a 5 gallon pot. The only issue is the chance of getting nutrient lock are increased.

what is this nutrient lock you speak of?

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Nutrient lock-up: A nutrient build up in the soil that messes with the chemestry of the soil. Overall bad news bears for your plants.

how can you tell if this is happening? and how do you prevent/get rid of it?

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Should be a detailed description of several common plant ailments floating around on the forums. Nutrient Guide thats one list I found just poking around. Do some site searching to find all your solutions. I think almost everything that can be asked has been.

ive never seen that cause nute lock, i wouldnt worry about it. Starting in a final pot is nice, dont have to worry bout transplant shock. Altho be more careful bout watering (not as often).

Yeah just a higher risk is all. When you transplant you introduce soil that is the same nutrient make up as the origional soil was before you start adding nutrients again where as planting in a final pot you will start and finish with 100% of the same soil you've been ferting for a few months. Plus I havnt seen too many plants mind a good well executed transplant. Socko got transplanted into a slightly larger pot yesterday while still recovering from a 4 way topping. Came out of shock in 3-4 hours flat and kept on chugging.

good to know. thank you.

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May there be peace within you this day...
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may you never forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith and forgivness...
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Whats a 4 way topping?

and good for Socko! keep on goin!

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May there be peace within you this day...
may you trust you highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be...
may you never forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith and forgivness...
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and may you trust and be content knowing you are a child of the earth and all the boudless powers that be...
Love and Peace Always
Blessed be