Let's talk about the pots you put your transplants in

It always seemed to me that the 3.5" pot was ideal for transplanting my seedlings. This is the only size that I have used since beginning seed starting a few years ago. Well, as usual, I began to run low on pots as I got to the end of my seedlings.

Although I bought 200 pots last year, and do reuse them, I also start over 500 plants. I end up giving away alot of plants which mean that I lose alot of pots. You can't give someone a few plants as a gift and then ask for the pots back - at least I haven't been able to find a nice way to do this.

As I am scraping the bottom of the barrel for pots, I decided to try some 2" pots that I received last year with some seedlings (I save everything). It struck me that this is actually a really good size for the last seedling that I have in flats. These seedlings are smaller than the others so they fit well in these smaller pots. I'm now considering getting some 2" pots. I only use square pots because they fit better on the flats.

Which brings me to my question: What size pots do you put your transplants in?

This message was edited Apr 20, 2008 3:29 PM

Penne,

Bluestone Perennials uses 2" x 4" pots and I've always through they are perfect. I need something bigger than the sheets/cell packs from the traditional 48 cell flats, but the 3" x 4" square pots I'm using this year (free) are a lttle too big. I want things I can easily plant with a trowel, and I guess my trowel is 2" wide :))

4" is my minimum on the height. I think the roots tend to get too much water in a shorter pot. It probably has something to do with the water table conversation tapla has in the container gardening forum.

I also should state that my preference is really round pots, but I can't afford the wasted space under lights. :(

Suzy

I like 3" or 4" square pots (depending on the growth rate) when I pot up mainly to save space like Suzy. I can fit more square ones into a tray than round. Note: I start everything in 2" peat pots so alot just goes into the ground/containers without potting up.

I have a huge collection of pots - I like 2.5" x 4" tall pots. I can fit more plants in them
and like Suzy I find the taller ones are better for the root system. But generally any pot
that's 2-4" is good 'til they get too big and then they go into a bigger pot. When I first
went crazy with seed starting, I got pots from all my friends and family. Now I don't need any
new ones. I soak all pots in clorox soapy water before reusing and never have any
trouble with diseases.

Tam

Pennafeather,Nothing wrong with asking for the pots to be returned. I give away seedlings and rooted cuttings to co-workers and tell them if they would like more next time to please return the pots as I am running low.
Besides you will keep them out of the landfill by getting them back.

I actually meant to say the same thing. If its a very casual acquaintance I won't say anything
but most friends know I want the pots back. I tell them not to bother washing them as I'll be
soaking them anyway.

If you are cheap like me, you can recycle styrofoam coffee cups....they make good seedling starters....just stab a few holes in the bottom and use some sort of sided tray or crate to keep them standing up. Always plenty at the office. I have honestly never worried about washing and soaking reused pots. Never seems to be a problem in a small garden nursery. Can understand the need for it in a huge nursery business.

I reuse everything, but I don't want anyone to worry about giving the pots back. This year I'll be bringing a few flats to my two kids schools for them to plant, as well as sharing with some of my neighbors. Everytime that I start to cull the seedlings, I always think to myself that there is someone who would really appreciate getting these plants.