DIY Seedling cups to reduce transplant shock

[dingo]

I like the idea of using little plastic cups for my seedlings because I can squeeze in many seedlings under a UFO light(but any larger pot size can be used). Once they sex I can transplant into a final pot outside.

My concern with solo cups:

1. How do I know when the tap root has reached the bottom of the cup(ready to transplant)?
2. How can I reduce root damage by removal of the bottom of a solo cup?
3. How can I block light to the sides of a solo cup where roots are?

I gave it some thought and come up with this.
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Buy some large plastic drinking cups


Cut the bottom out of the cup(within the reinforced area at the base)

Drill some drainage holes in another cup.

Put the bottomless cup inside the drainage cup

Add your favourite seed mix and plant a white tail in the bottomless cup

Place your 2 cups inside another container that has no drain holes, for a drain reservoir

The 3 layers of plastic will reduce light significantly to the root area

Easy to check how the tap root is progressing by removing gently the seed mix cup from the drainage cup.



When the tap root is visible, transplant to a final pot by carefully placing cup in grow mix. Careful not to damage root by pressure or rotation of cup once buried.

 

[Mr Piggy]

This system has been in play here at the site a long time, we call it tiered planting. Good job finding it on your own, I would have grown for years without thinking of this had it not been pointed out! I did start getting much better results when I switched to 32oz yogurt containers instead of solo cups. :thread:

 

[WVTurtle]

I've had my eye on some cottage cheese containers I've saved up.

 

[dingo]

This bottomless method of tiering will work at any cup size. My contribution here was to show how you can remove the bottom of the cup before you plant, instead of cutting the botom off later and possibly damaging roots. Also it is an easy way to confirm when the tap root is visible and when ready to be tiered to a larger pot size. The tiered growing method I learnt from this site, I just extended it for beginners. Advanced growers would already be using this method I am certain.

Autos stunt so easiliy, so this method will to grow better in the critical early phase. Yes, larger cups will always be better. Yoghurt or milkshake cups will be better.
For me, these cups are fine. They will reduce the height of the plant and that is what I seek. Outdoor stealth suits me best, even at a cost of yield.