Disadvantages of transplanting?

[old_skool]

Hi,
I have a question about transplanting, in all the grows I had ever done (30 years ago) I always planted in enough soil medium to grow from start to finish without transplanting because I studied it caused very high stress, enough to kill the plant. I am experiencing this with my <a href="1st Grow in 30 yrs 12/12 HPS from Seed">current grow</a>

I had to transplant 7 seedlings from the peatpot's into a long/deep flowering box and you can tell they went into SHOCK no growth for 24 hours and after 48 hours you can tell they are still suffering because they only produced 1/8 to 1/4" growth on average This is not good especially since even though the peatpot's were drying out fast the plants were growing 1/4 to 1/2" per day.

So my question is why transplant when the obvious results are shock and stunned growth wouldn't it be best to always plant in a enough soil medium so it can grow uninhibited??

Old Skool

 

[Boss]

Re: Disadvantages of transplanting!?!

They will show some stress from being re-planted, but if done correctly, it will be minimal, and should never kill the plant.
Some people use a large pot from the start so that they don't injure the roots and cause shock.

 

[Racefan]

Re: Disadvantages of transplanting!?!

Transplanting and allowing the plant to become slightly root bound before transplant helps build the root system. Big roots equals big buds. I've never lost a plant due to transplanting and all shock has been minimal. Use some B-1 or superthrive for the shock if you need it.

 

[420oclock]

Re: Disadvantages of transplanting!?!

I usually transplant several times each grow. By using a smallish container you speed the wet-dry cycle up. When I germinate seeds, I use a small yogurt container. At 7 - 10 days I transplant into either a party cup or a 1 gallon pot. Before flowering, I transplant into a 5 gallon container.

Personally, I do not see any stress following transplanting. You should handle the plant and rootball gently, and ideally transplant when the plant is just becoming rootbound.