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to pack or not to pack?

420Stylez

Member
this is not a moving question but a density of soil or soilless question... ive recently been shown that I need to PACK my soilless into my containers... you can put soil in the pot and then put a plant in it and back fill as needed... or you can pack the dirt in there as hard as you can and leave room for a plant, I use Dixie cups, and the plant as needed.... I have noticed that I get bigger denser nugs with this method and was wondering if anyone else uses this and why or why not? ... thanks... PEACE...
 

Green Squall

Well-known member
I'd give that a big no. Wouldn't it be harder for the plant to develop a good root system if the soil is compacted? When I transplant I fill the medium almost to the top of the pot and after a few watering's the soil will start to naturally compact, but not to and unhealthy level like if you were to cram it down with your hand. Hope that helps
 

Lester Beans

Frequent Flyer
Veteran
In nurseries we pack the soil with water, the water will naturally settle the soil without compressing the media too much, which will not allow airflow. I am against packing soil by hand. If soil is fluffy drop the pot on the ground and that will help settle it as well.
 

Granger2

Active member
Veteran
Somwhat dependent on medium and how moist it is. But I "firm" the soil, I don't pack it. You have to get air pockets out and make good medium/transplant contact. You can add medium later if needed. Dropping the container may be enough. Good luck. -granger
 

420Stylez

Member
i use a local nursery soilless mix with added perlite, i reuse it and add promix HP. im going to do a side by side and see how it goes... i was taught the compacting method from a older grower. ive been able to grow larger plants from smaller cuts and have had a increase in bud density and weight... my other plants before were a little airier. i would get less than a half ounce from a plant.. now i am getting over a half ounce to a oz depending on strain.. now if i could get my clone numbers up so i can harvest over a cpl ounces a light...
 

fonzee

Weed Cannasaur
Moderator
Veteran
You shouldn't compact your soilmix. You want proper air flow in the soil.
Drenching (preferably with mycorhizza) well after a transplant is enough compaction.
 

Runt

Member
I´m using Airpots for the first time and their video says to pack the soil. Let´s see how it turns out.
 
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