Square vs. Round Pots

Does anyone know which is better and why?

square. utilizes more space more efficiently. more rigid structural design,

square. utilizes more space more efficiently. more rigid structural design,

simple math, area of a circle (3.14 x Radius Squared) < area of a square (Length x width)

this is only from a space efficency aspect, root growth/health don't know about that

How does a square utilize a space more efficiently? It only does if you have one of those prefabricated set ups designed to work in correlation to those squares. Most DIY jobs make circles more efficient because of the flexibility created since it lacks corners. (Supposing your system doesn't fit the perfect amount of squares, I've gotten at least 1 more circle pot to fit than if I were to go all square) Not to mention circle pots are dirt cheap.

MasterS said:

How does a square utilize a space more efficiently? It only does if you have one of those prefabricated set ups designed to work in correlation to those squares. Most DIY jobs make circles more efficient because of the flexibility created since it lacks corners. (Supposing your system doesn't fit the perfect amount of squares, I've gotten at least 1 more circle pot to fit than if I were to go all square) Not to mention circle pots are dirt cheap.

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WOW! its crazy how somebody will allways go the other way just because thers is another way to go
plainly put, use what you got
squares are the better option for indoor growing if you can find them and aford them
square pots will occupy the same exact space of circle pot (OF THE SAME SIZE)
square pots are harder to move around but makes watering eazyer
but any grower that doing a sog would rather have squares over circles

If you put lets say 4 - 5 gallon bucket as close as possible (touching) how much air do you see between them. If you put 4 square pots touching there is no wasted space. That being said I use 5 gallon buckets because A) they are cheap B) I mix soil and hydro DWC grows and I dont have to buy different pots that way. Also I dont run SOG so getting pots touching isnt that important to me since they like a little space around each plant anyways and my canopy is usually pretty crowded anyways..

I like square... better use of space, and when you water you don't have to worry as much about water going between the pots (at least not as much as with round ones).

LOL, you couldn't figure this out on your own?

I saw no pros or cons regarding Root binding, air oxygen, or watering in this thread. Does anybody know if one is better than the other for these things? It seemed to me also that the square would be better for the footprint.
Sorry for the non-specific question at first.

square. utilizes more space more efficiently. more rigid structural design,

I just wanted to be the third person to say it. I don't know why.

Don't judge me!

square, more rigid, utilizes space more efficiently, less root circling, easier transplant (a round rootball is harder to handle)

I feel circles are better. Whenever I plant in circles and transplant, the roots seem to be better off. Since there is no corners they kinda just hit the sides and curve around the rest of the pot. Squares seem to stop the roots in their tracks at times. I'd rather use circles any day of the week.

Then again grow bags are supposed to be the best.

I think the ease for the roots of traveling in a circle rather than edges causes to grow faster maybe being more sub sect-able to being root bound. I use square for my starting pots because of the footprint. Than fabric pots after for the air to the roots during there most vigorous growth. Like mid to late veg. If you have a root bound problem transplant to bigger pots. I also find that people that transplant into round don't have issues with being root bound because they choose the right size for how long there growing.

uh, ive heard circle. something about more ease in root growth.
if space is the main concern then square will be more efficient.

georgeisabamf said:

Then again grow bags are supposed to be the best.

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I totally prefer them having used regular pots. I use the air bags, it eliminates root circling and air prunes the roots as it grows. They're cheap, recyclable, and I've gotten better mileage on my plants with them. Mine are cylinders sure if they come in cubes.

I just finished germinating 22 seeds. all the same strain and conditions. except i put 7 in square pots 13 in round pots (same size as square pots, about 4 inch i think) and 2 in round pots which were a couple inches deeper.

2 weeks later and ..............

the round deeper pots sucked. slow growth, at least 4 days behind in growth. ( seems seedlings like the regular size pots, the tap root must have done some extra work and took time away from growth development maybe)

The round pots were ok I gues, but the roots were all circled around the base of the pot. not many had moved around the pot. didnt like the look of the root structure. Also the plants were a little on the small side seemed like the roots werent doing their job as well all curled up at the bottom of the pot

The square pots were great, great roots, all over the pot from bottom to top, even spread of roots and the plants look great, at least 4 days ahead in growth when put next to the round pots. bigger leaves and faster growth.

I will be using square pots for my seedling every time from now on, for the veg and flower cycle i havnt tested square vs round pots at the same time. but for seedlings first 2 weeks of growth I would use square for sure.

here are a few pics.
I wont blow both up, but trust me, the roots sold the square pots for me. I should have taken photos but what can I say, im a stoner. I didnt think about it until I was done repotting. next time.....



this was the largest round potted plant and the smallest square potted plant and you can still see the difference. square pots guys go go go...

roots in a square pot will grow in to the corner and get bound up as a round pot there is no corner for them to hit and roots are not meant to be square if so that is how they would grow in the wide

Any shaped fabric pot is best, square vs circular? its not worth arguing over, both do the same job

loudog1983 said:

roots in a square pot will grow in to the corner and get bound up as a round pot there is no corner for them to hit and roots are not meant to be square if so that is how they would grow in the wide

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That's not true at all. Nice necro thread