Peat Pod Seedlings?

[Robbie762]

First time I’ve ever started my seedlings in peat pods, they sprouted quick. My questions are, should I transplant pods direct to their 3 gallon grow bags or to solo cups? And when should I transplant the pods?

 

[Bob's Auto's]

There are two schools of thoughts about that. Many say plant directly into final pot. That way you prevent stunting the seedling by damaging the roots.
But many here on the forum, myself included, have first planted in a smaller container and then repot it to it's final container without problems.

If you're not sure and have space a plenty, then I would say. Go for the final pot. Less hassle, but you need to take care when watering not to overdo it, because the little seedling cannot take up all the liquid fast enough. This is the case if you're growing in soil. When in Coco that isn't so much a problem because of it's properties.

 

[DCLXVI]

I use the peat pellets myself. Once there is a sprout I put it right into the final pot. Mine have the mesh covering around it and I try to remove it before planting. If the tap root is already through the material then leave it.

 

[Olderfart]

I use peat plugs too, and like the results. I start with a peroxide/DI water soak for ~3 hours of so, then some time (usually 24 hours or less) in wet paper towel held in vertical position before placing seed in a peat plug. Once the tap roots penetrate the bottom of the plug, she goes into either the final pot, or into an intermediate "insta-transplant" pot prior to being planted in the final pot.

I no longer fuss with the mesh covering. In my grow last winter, I had a careful look at root development after harvest, and roots clearly had no difficulty penetrating the mesh and expanding to normal size without issues. So I just plant the plug mesh and all as soon as I see a tap root out the bottom.

As pointed out already, small plants in large pots, especially in soil, make watering more touchy.

Good luck with it.