Is starting in a small container a must?

Is there a purpose to start growing in a small container? Can I start in a large pot?

you could, but most of the plant's energy would be focused on root growth right away, and not as much on development of leaves etc. It's better to transplant up as the plant gets bigger. Thats my opinion anyways

i think the purpose of starting in a small container is so that your seedlings get a nice condensed rootball to start with. If you use a bigger container the plant will automatically reach out to the walls to find its boundaries so the roots will be more spread out initially

The earths crust isn't a small container is it? I know, I know, maximum yeild and all that crap, but come on, it really is a plant, would it not grow either way?

medicalmiss said:

The earths crust isn't a small container is it? I know, I know, maximum yeild and all that crap, but come on, it really is a plant, would it not grow either way?

Click to expand...

It will grow... =]

Just differently... The purpose of starting small is to have control over the growth...

it is better to start small, because the roots will grow down, and jumble at the bottom, if you continueously transplant plants (correctly, smaller to larger) the root system will be much larger and spread out. Imagine this,, the roots shoot to the bottom like food coloring in water, and spread when they hit the bottom and then spread throughout, if you start small the roots will spread through one container than if you put them in a larger container they will shoot down again and spread throughout the larger container. In a simple grow I use a cup for sprouts, a medium pot after, then a larger pot, then a bucket....or outside!!!

listen to me please!!! The roots shoot straight down, then spread to their boundaries, in a plastic beer cup a 6inch plant will have used the entire area of dirt and will be stunted as a result, unless your a pro.

i'll go against the grain and say - i put my germinated seeds right into the system they'll be harvested from - no need whatsoever to start small and transplant.

i'm no expert so your mileage may vary.

they take up less room in a smaller pot