How many auto's in a 18"x18" area?

Hello everyone, I'll be completing my first grow soon and will be looking to start a new one.

My first grow was a photo period grow but one of the seeds I planted (a UFO) turned out to be an auto.

The auto is 7-10 days away from harvest and I'm real excited! I just love the way it came out, how it looks and the quick turnover. I think I would like to go full auto (no pun intended, lol) this time around.

I haven't decided yet on what strains but I have some ideas. I intend on planting these auto's in 2 gallon Smart Pots from germination to harvest.

I really only have a single question I can't seem to figure out: How many autos can I grow in 2 gallon Smart pots in a 18" x 18" area?

The 2 gallon Smart pots are 8" diameter and I know I can fit 4 of them in there. I know I have the height. I'm just not sure on how bushy they will get and I'd rather not cramp 4 of them in a small place. Are there strains that are more or less bushy I can use to suit my needs?

Thanks for the help.

Yea i think 4 might be pushing it as that seems very small space for 4 plants. I would do 3 max as i like having space between each plant.

post some pics

joliet jake said:

Yea i think 4 might be pushing it as that seems very small space for 4 plants. I would do 3 max as i like having space between each plant.

post some pics

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I agree four does seem like it will be crammed. As far as I'm concerned three is probably a bit too much as well.

The only reason I'm even asking is because my current auto is like 7-10 days from harvest and it is completely contained within the 8" diameter of the 2G Smart Pot. Maybe my current auto is so maintained within that size because I was not prepared for it and it is stunted? IE; Didnt give it bloom nutrients until 3 weeks ago. I also started lst because i didnt know it was an auto.

With that in mind I was hoping maybe I could get 4 done. But to be honest I don't know how big/bushy auto's really get. Everyone always talks about height, not bushiness. heh.

Thanks for the reply. + rep for you!

Anyone else care to chime in?

Anyone else?
I'm just curious, on average, in diameter, how big most auto's get? I'll even take recommendations of specific strains if they're known for staying smaller in diameter/bushiness.
If I must only grow 2 plants in the space I have that is fine. I'm just trying to plan a perpetual grow based on what I can grow at once.

really depends on the strain main i keep all mine in 2 gallons and they are all touching and it works out fine to maximize yield but a bit harder to take care of...totally worth it. I personally would go at least 3 if u like to go all out like me go 4 lol

KI11TH3W3AK said:

really depends on the strain main i keep all mine in 2 gallons and they are all touching and it works out fine to maximize yield but a bit harder to take care of...totally worth it. I personally would go at least 3 if u like to go all out like me go 4 lol

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I don't mind if they're touching some through the lifespan of the plants, I just don't want to be actively fighting them the entire time. lol. I like a nice stress free grow.

Any suggestions on strains for what I'm looking for? What are you currently growing?

I'm looking to space the plants a week apart as part of a perpetual grow. I'd like to be harvesting a plant every 7-10 days. 3 or 4 plants would be perfect if I can manage it.

Thanks! +rep fer joo!

If you get small to medium sized autos probably 2 . Or one big auto. Try 1 afgan kush ryder in a five gallon smart pot. You should pull a min. Of 3 ounces and ive got a little over 5 on one. Average is about 4 ounces. They will get tall tho up to 38" so you need head room.

70sdiver said:

If you get small to medium sized autos probably 2 . Or one big auto. Try 1 afgan kush ryder in a five gallon smart pot. You should pull a min. Of 3 ounces and ive got a little over 5 on one. Average is about 4 ounces. They will get tall tho up to 38" so you need head room.

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Thanks for the suggestion 70s. It's funny you mention that because I was originally thinking about getting a 5 or 7 gallon Smart Pot and doing exactly as you said. I also toyed with the idea of using a none auto in the same setup and SCRoG'ing it. (Still might do this in another tent at a later date)

I still have several weeks to decide before I start my grow. I'd much rather start some sort of perpetual auto grow.