auto pot size help please

Shadytrees88

Active Member
I'm bout to start a auto grow and I got 9x9 11in deep square containers there bout 2.5 to 3 gallons I've spoke with several advanced auto growers and they say 3 gal max anytbing bigger is a waist and not much more ... But mayb a 5gal would be perfect imma give my 3 gal a shot and put two in a 5 gallon and see
 

ChemPro

Well-Known Member
I don't notice a difference between 3 gallon and 5 gallons whether its soil or hydro. I don't think autos grow enough size to necessitate a 5 gal.

But, if you are growing in soil with fabric pots definitely go with the 3 gallon.

A 3 gallon fabric pot with a diameter of 10" and a height of 7.5" has a volume of 589 cubinc inches with a surface area of 235.6 inches squared

A 5 gallon fabric pot with a diameter of 12" and a height of 9" has a volume of 1074 cubinc inches with a surface area of 385 inches squared

When you divide surface area by volume to get a ratio the 3 gallon has a surface area to volume ratio of 0.4 whereas the 5 gallon has a ratio of 0.33333333

The more surface area to volume means more oxygen absorption.
 

HighLowGrow

Well-Known Member
I used to use 3 gallons until I tried the 1 gallon grow bags. My yield was about the same.

The 1 gallons need water more often (about every 3 days) but they can be moved around easily. Less dirt. Less runoff.

I'm just sharing that 1 gallons can be used. No problem.

I'm currently doing a lil breeding and have 4 plants per 10 gallon tote. There is 7-8" of dirt in each. Click on my sig BKR project. I put a few pics up earlier if interested.
 

.Pinworm.

Well-Known Member
Well, I guess if you can't really afford an extra 2 gallons of soil....meh, nvm. I just remembered what section I was in. lol

Auto-section always skimps :D
 

ChemPro

Well-Known Member
Just think about how much bigger they would be with more room for the roots (and some proper lighting) ! :cool:
I don't know. If those are non-autos then maybe. But you can only get so much out of autos before bigger pots make no difference, and I don't see an improvement with 5 gallons. Maybe you would if you could veg them more but autos trigger flowering in 30 days regardless. Not sure about his lighting because he didn't comment on it. Growing autos isn't for me though. I tried it a couple times. The yield is lower and the potency is lower. Might as well grow regular.
 

HighLowGrow

Well-Known Member
Those were grown under a 600. They are all autos. I can get a lot of variety under there with the 1 gallons. It's all for me so it's all good.
 

black jesus

Well-Known Member
I go for 5 gallons but they take up so much room. I don't like watering and I try to stay around once a week. What I did last time was grab some 3 gallon pots and 2 gallon grow bags....cut the bottom off the bags and stack it on top of the bucket. Now you have 5 gallons in a 3 gallon spaceimage.jpegimage.jpeg
 
Top