Transplanting question

We are going to be transplanting into larger pots within a week or so. We have two seedlings growing in 3x3 pots in FF Light Warrior and one in FFOF right now. We noticed a few bugs flying around since using the FFOF soil and were afraid that it came with bugs. Now we don't want to use it.

We are considering transplanting into coco when we move them to the new pots. We originally wanted to but we thought soil would be easier. We would use the Canna coco nurtients if we do switch.

Would we have any kind of problems going from soil to coco? Coco requires lower ph, so we would start giving them water ph'd for the coco right away once their in it? If we transplant and theres some FF soil on the roots will that affect anything?
 

xtsho

Well-Known Member
We are going to be transplanting into larger pots within a week or so. We have two seedlings growing in 3x3 pots in FF Light Warrior and one in FFOF right now. We noticed a few bugs flying around since using the FFOF soil and were afraid that it came with bugs. Now we don't want to use it.

We are considering transplanting into coco when we move them to the new pots. We originally wanted to but we thought soil would be easier. We would use the Canna coco nurtients if we do switch.

Would we have any kind of problems going from soil to coco? Coco requires lower ph, so we would start giving them water ph'd for the coco right away once their in it? If we transplant and theres some FF soil on the roots will that affect anything?
Yes you can go from those small pots of soil straight into coco. I do it all the time. I start all my seeds directly in small pots of soil. I make my own seed starting mix of promix, worm castings, and a little vermiculite. I've found it's easier to get good starts rather than trying to get the nutes in the coco right for seedlings. Plus I only need to use tap water for them and don't have to bother with mixing up nutes. I typically use 2.5" x 2.5" nursery pots but have used 3.5" x 3.5". I go straight into three gallon fabric pots of soil.

You can rinse some of the soil off but it's not necessary unless the soil is all whacked out and the plants don't look good. If they're healthy just go straight to coco. You want to make sure that the plant has developed a really good root system. And the coco should be precharged with half strength nute and then the excess water squeezed out. You want it damp not wet. Then don't water right away. You want to let the coco start to dry out on top before you start watering. Damp coco is wet enough for the roots to start growing into the coco. If you do things right the roots will explode. I've had roots poking out the sides of the fabric pots I use just a couple days after transplanting. After about a week the roots should be growing like crazy and it's time to start regualar watering and feeding. Treat it like coco from day one. Pretend that small amount of soil isn't even there.

Good luck.


Make sure you have a well developed root structure. This was started from seed in a 3.5" x 3.5" of my seed starting mix and went straight into coco. No special enzymes, other products, microbes, etc... Worm castings are great for seedlings.


 
Ok. We're still a little undecided about what we're going to do. I figured it could go straight to coco but just wanted to make sure. We have a little more time to think it over. I'd hate to waste all the soil we already got. Thank you for your reply, it'll help with the decision.
 

xtsho

Well-Known Member
Ok. We're still a little undecided about what we're going to do. I figured it could go straight to coco but just wanted to make sure. We have a little more time to think it over. I'd hate to waste all the soil we already got. Thank you for your reply, it'll help with the decision.
If you already have soil then I'd use that. No need to waste it. If you want to grow in coco then use up your soil and use coco when it's gone. I was just replying to your question regarding soil to coco.

Good luck
 

bigsteve

Well-Known Member
I haven't heard of FF soil coming with bugs. Look closer to home for the infestation.

If you do decide to switch soil do what the hydro growers do -- remove the plant from old pot,, gently knock of what dirt you can then swirl the rootball in a large pot of warmish water to remove most all the soil.

Good luck, BigSteve.
 

TintEastwood

Well-Known Member
I suspect the Fox Farms included fungus gnats. No fun, but very common for any potting soil thats not sterilized.

Read up on the many methods to erradicate them.
 

Budzbuddha

Well-Known Member
A super easy fix ( for ANY bagged soil ) is a top dress of horticulture sand or builder sand ( used in concrete ) can be used .... not play sand from the park ...lol.

It blocks the egg laying ( larvae ) from the adults ... which also can be controlled with yellow sticky boards . The larva thrive in moist soil which can be dealt with a 4:1 mix of hydrogen peroxide and water I believe. Mosquito dunks work well.

Once you “ break “ the cycle of gnats , then you gain control.
 

Budzbuddha

Well-Known Member
Allow the soil to dry appropriately between watering or feed. . The young gnat larva cannot thrive in dry soil. There is a vinegar bowl trap you can find out more about online. Kinda like the beer in a pie plate method for slug / snail control.
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
Allow the soil to dry appropriately between watering or feed. . The young gnat larva cannot thrive in dry soil. There is a vinegar bowl trap you can find out more about online. Kinda like the beer in a pie plate method for slug / snail control.
Diatomaceous earth top dressed works to help control as well.
 
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