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White Plains, NY

1/2 gallon milk and orange juice carboard containers have been found to be extremely effective as planters. Allows for long roots and no transplant shock.

Cut off the bottom of the milk container leaving a 3/4" lip. Now insert the container back into the bottom tray you just made. Open the top and you have a planter that's 4"square and ll" deep (allows nice long roots).

As your plant grows you can check the bottom for roots by taking off the bottom tray. When my roots start to show on the bottom of the container its time to transplant. An extra step it to completely cut a seam and reattach with duct tape. When transplanting set the container in it's hole after removing the bottom tray and pull off the tape. This allow the removal of the plant from the container without any damage to the roots.

The 1 Qt container works great for my tomatoes, etc. Spring is coming!

1/19/2004 10:37:38 AM

[email protected]

Jim, What happened to those sweet containers you made from building paper? I liked those. Too cumbersome?

Steve

1/19/2004 10:43:16 AM

White Plains, NY

Steve,

The larger containers 2gals (made out of felt roofing paper)were used when I wanted to grow the plant inside for a longer period of time.

1/19/2004 11:17:20 AM

Long Island,New York

Jim...I know we had this discussion during the first annual connecticut/SE NY Tri-State area patch tour (AKA-Tremertour)and I failed to convince you but do yourself a favor...take a clear, 1 pint plastic container (like a deli/chinese soup container) fill with soil and plant a seed. See how the roots travel not only downward but outward...in two days the outward roots press against the clear plastic and are forced downward and you can see this very clearly.Sure...a deeper pot will allow for the downward tap root...but the only REAL answer is to plant outside as soon as the seed pops and shows a sign of direction.....my two cents (again !..lol)

1/19/2004 2:10:44 PM

White Plains, NY

Glenn,

I'm really in agreement with you. Once I have my first set of true leaves I want it outside. During this short growing process I prefer the depth. For those who want more width try a gallon size cardboard container.

My "planter" is for those who might like to give it a try. I'm dead set against peat pots as they are too restrictive.

1/19/2004 4:10:39 PM

Montoursville, PA

I always pulled the peat pots off of my plants anyway! They take to long to fall apart in the ground. Roots will go through them but that is restriction and at least minor stress. Should one error and get the rim near the surface or above ground surface they will wick moisture out of the patch and away from the seedling.

The only advantage I see as a possible arguement for peat pots is that they may permit insignificant oxygen to enter the root ball area. That is hardly an issue if we use professional quality potting soil.

I really like Glenn's suggestion. Go ahead and do that. The more understanding you have the more confident you will become. Best of the new season to all.

1/19/2004 4:58:43 PM