Gotta Love Those Air-Pots

I used to start in solo cups, after 2 weeks then to 80oz container, after another 2 weeks lastly to a two gallon bucket. At the end of my grows the roots never fill up the 2 gallon bucket, they are balled up from the first 2 containers. And yes, I sliced the roots before transplanting. I recently read an article (don't remember where) which stated that once roots start circling, even though you cut them, they will continue. Anyways, I decided to try air-pots and so far I couldn't be happier. The first pic is after 1 weeks growth, the second is 2 weeks growth, and the third is what the roots looked like at transplant - 2 weeks from sprouting. Looks like I don't have to worry about circling anymore.

Greetings. I never up pot. I direct plant/seed. Never really liked that. When I did transplant I pull the ball apart, never had any issues. Looks cool though.

I like to use those pots in the early stages..up to a gallon/5 litres...then in their final pot with solid sides. They get some fine root ball going on that's for sure.
But I figure it takes up more energy firing off new roots, than it does roots circling (imo)... so that's why it's a normal pot for eventual flowering...

i found these to be a HUGE pain in the ass to water...they are in a box somewhere sitting doing nothing being a waste of close to a hundred bucks... meanwhile i just made my first 27 gallon SIP for about 20 bucks!

diggin it. might have to test these never have.... hmmm

meangreengrowinmachine said:

i found these to be a HUGE pain in the ass to water...they are in a box somewhere sitting doing nothing being a waste of close to a hundred bucks... meanwhile i just made my first 27 gallon SIP for about 20 bucks!

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There are several manufacturers of these type of containers, I have the original air pots which have no holes in the top 2 rows, so it allows you to water and fill the top without water coming out any side holes. I can imagine how hard it would be if there were holes all the way to the top. Perhaps those are the ones you have and the reason you don't like them.

MickFoster said:

There are several manufacturers of these type of containers, I have the original air pots which have no holes in the top 2 rows, so it allows you to water and fill the top without water coming out any side holes. I can imagine how hard it would be if there were holes all the way to the top. Perhaps those are the ones you have and the reason you don't like them.

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I have to admit ive had similar issues with water shooting out the side, especially if there's an air pocket you didn't manage to fill when potting up. They do what they say they do but im also not sure its advantageous (by much).