Soil depth

GrowAtHome

Member
When growing inside I have a question about soil depth.

I've read several different things used for potted plants. Yet I have not yet found anything about using a shallow soil. As long the nutrient and water content is good, the roots should have good uptake right?

I was thinking pebble base with about 3-6" of soil in a container larger enough (diameter) to support the root system. That way I use less soil, can more easily adjust water and nutrients. Also in (my) theory you'll have less chance of root rot due to over watering, and you will not wash all the nutrients away to deeper soil making it harder for the roots to reach them.

I know that trees grow incredibly well when their roots spread out just below the surface. Just they can not withstand high winds because the roots aren't deep enough to provide strength to stay upright.

Anyone ever played around with shallow soils?
 

ColoradoHighGrower

Well-Known Member
I think it's more about effective surface area and root uptake capacity rather than root mass shape or depth specifically (perhaps stability with width+depth). If well drained and loose, should be good to go for promoting both root growth and nute/h2o flow/uptake/drain
 

GrowAtHome

Member
Exactly, surface area and uptake! That's why I'm thinking shallow soil with proper nutrients and water would work better. Fat, long, deep roots don't mean anything if the rhizoids aren't present!
 

redeyedfrog

Well-Known Member
Exactly, surface area and uptake! That's why I'm thinking shallow soil with proper nutrients and water would work better. Fat, long, deep roots don't mean anything if the rhizoids aren't present!
I believe it's the same as putting a fish that will grow to the size of a tank, I was always taught big roots big fruits. I may be wrong but it makes sense. Anyways if you do it keep a journal I'd be interested in the final results.
Happy growing!!!
 

GrowAtHome

Member
I believe it's the same as putting a fish that will grow to the size of a tank, I was always taught big roots big fruits. I may be wrong but it makes sense. Anyways if you do it keep a journal I'd be interested in the final results.
Happy growing!!!
For sure. As of right now I'm in the Research and planning stage. Next stealth box planning, purchasing, and building. Finally seed procurement and growth.
 

ColoradoHighGrower

Well-Known Member
Exactly, surface area and uptake! That's why I'm thinking shallow soil with proper nutrients and water would work better. Fat, long, deep roots don't mean anything if the rhizoids aren't present!
I guess i meant effect surface area of the actual root system/roots, so more volume in your (soil/mix) container the more roots, and hence the more uptake/capacity. Shallow vs deep shouldn't make a huge difference other than how quickly the pots dry out/frequency of needing watering, perhaps? Would make for an interesting side by side experiment!
 

Antitheist

Well-Known Member
You know why everyone starts in party cups? They are tall, not very wide and teach the roots to grow down. I'm no expert but all of them that I know say deeper is better.
 

T macc

Well-Known Member
Shallow and wide will promote a Bush.

Narrow and tall will promote a tree with less lateral.

Would still need the same amount of soil tho as it will all get used. And yes, party cups are used because they're cheap. I use 2 inch square pots cause it's what I have
 

GrowAtHome

Member
Shallow and wide will promote a Bush.

Narrow and tall will promote a tree with less lateral.

Would still need the same amount of soil tho as it will all get used. And yes, party cups are used because they're cheap. I use 2 inch square pots cause it's what I have
Good to know about the shallow bush, deep trees. I will need to be more bushy as for I will be doing a stealth grow indoors.
 

grilledcheese101

Well-Known Member
Had the height but didnt have the light!

Dinafem Blue Cheese

12 9w led bulbs and a broken 30w that only worked intermittently. Thats it.

Mammoth P. (Fuck i wish i could get more in canada)

6-7 week veg (had some issues at around week 4)

Was in a closet on a table. Simple organics feed. Maybe 3 gallons in a rectangle tote.
 

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