Pot size

[nectargrown]

I have been growing for a few years now currently under 2 600s going to adding another soon and for the whole time I have flowered in 5 gallon pots. I usually go from solo cup to gallon to 3 gallon then finally to 5 gallon. My question is, is using a 5 gallon a waste or is it just fine using those Ive had no problems just have seen other growers use 3 gallons in flower. Thanks in advance

 

[lotus710]

well it depends. people say 1gal per month its alive. some strains need 1 gal per week. hydro growers can use a lot smaller pots where as soil growers need more room for their roots. I assume in organic soil mixes the roots grow slower because the nutrients are right there for em.

 

[Rolling Stoner]

I assume you are growing in soil? Do you just hand water? How many you usually flower at a time?

When you finish a run and empty the 5g pots, are they root bound? If so you are probably growing large plants and using the space pretty well. If they are not root bound than you are wasting soil.

Unless you are really growing some trees, you might try 3g smart pots instead. Less soil needed and the smart pot will encourage more root growth than a plastic pot/bucket.

I prefer to have a more root bound plant in flower that requires water more often. That way you can feed more often.

 

[nectargrown]

Yes I grow in soil and I hand water currently I have 6 but I am going to be flowering 12 my next round. When I empty the pots after use there is always roots at the very bottom wrapped around I dont grow them huge probably 3 feet at max I would say.

 

[MJPassion]

Root bound means roots circling the container walls or hitting the walls and branching out if using cloth containers.

It sounds to me that you may be able to get away with 3 gal pots if you've only got roots on the very bottom.
However, with 5 gallon containers you should see an increase in overall yield.

My 3 gal containers are nearly the same diameter as my 5 gals so I personally opt for the larger containers.

If you have the space, you may try veging a couple plants a week or two longer in those 5s before the flip and see if you like the results.

 

[Lester Beans]

Stick with the 5 gal. Roots = fruits!

 

[SmokeGanj]

If you have the space I would opt for the larger ones but I think 3 is fine really

 

[nectargrown]

I will probably stick with the 5 gallons, dont wanna risk having less fruit thanks for the replies everyone

 

[therevverend]

At three feet three gallons usually works fine for me. Unless the plant is extra wide and bushy. I save the 5 gallon plants for anything bigger going for monster yields.
Also depends on how much you feed them. If you give them a lot of fertilizer 3 gallons is perfect. 5 gallons would be wasting space. If you can't afford/don't have time to feed stick to the 5 gallons.

 

[THCMAN]

At three feet three gallons usually works fine for me. Unless the plant is extra wide and bushy. I save the 5 gallon plants for anything bigger going for monster yields.
Also depends on how much you feed them. If you give them a lot of fertilizer 3 gallons is perfect. 5 gallons would be wasting space. If you can't afford/don't have time to feed stick to the 5 gallons.

BIGGER BUCKET MEANS BIGGER ROOTS
BIGGER ROOTS - BIGGER FRUITS

 

[Therealzemi]

BIGGER BUCKET MEANS BIGGER ROOTS
BIGGER ROOTS - BIGGER FRUITS

Reality is not that simple though. Theres several factors that come in to play. Grow style being just one (sog, scrog,trees). There is more pain than gain to have TOO big pots. And pointles to waste soil that will not be fully used.

 

[turtle farmer]

My pot size depends on my veg time.
I'm experimenting between 5,7,and #15 pots.
The 5's get 4 weeks veg,,, and the 7's get 6 weeks veg.
The #15's get an 8 week veg time.This method is giving three units per 1k light. But a lot of space and time is required.