Maybe a dumb question but I'll ask - will roots grow up/into a layer added after initial veg? Using SIPs here...

[NewGrower2011]

Looking to intentionally slow down the veg cycle in my SIPs as I intended to get them started and vegging but drag it out intentionally longer than usual.

What I'm hoping to try and do here is only fill the SIP bed about 1/2 full with a good mix for veg. Run them a couple months knowing that lesser amount of soil will only carry them for so long. When I'm ready to really start pushing them in a final veg and flip timeframe I figure I'd fill the SIP bed the rest of the way up, maybe 90% of the way leaving a little room for a top-dress around mid flower.

So I'm pretty sure there's nothing wrong with that for the most part but was wondering how effective the root system would be - i.e. will the roots grow 'up & into' the new top layer I added. This is a lot more than top-dress as this would be several inches of new soil being added onto an established root system.

Also accounting for this angle, I'm running SIPs. So I'm counting on the wicking from below and not top-watering - so those new goodies wouldn't be leaching down to the previously established roots.

Am I about to make a dumb mistake if I try this route?

 

[NewGrower2011]

(for those curious, I want monster roots growing in these SIPs while I drag my feet for the cooler months to come)

 

[NewGrower2011]

None of our resident gurus know this one? Pretty sure the roots will but thought someone would know for sure.

 

[MustangStudFarm]

Looking to intentionally slow down the veg cycle in my SIPs as I intended to get them started and vegging but drag it out intentionally longer than usual.

What I'm hoping to try and do here is only fill the SIP bed about 1/2 full with a good mix for veg. Run them a couple months knowing that lesser amount of soil will only carry them for so long. When I'm ready to really start pushing them in a final veg and flip timeframe I figure I'd fill the SIP bed the rest of the way up, maybe 90% of the way leaving a little room for a top-dress around mid flower.

So I'm pretty sure there's nothing wrong with that for the most part but was wondering how effective the root system would be - i.e. will the roots grow 'up & into' the new top layer I added. This is a lot more than top-dress as this would be several inches of new soil being added onto an established root system.

Also accounting for this angle, I'm running SIPs. So I'm counting on the wicking from below and not top-watering - so those new goodies wouldn't be leaching down to the previously established roots.

Am I about to make a dumb mistake if I try this route?

I'm not completely sure what the question is. When I pull back the shower cap on my Earthboxes, the roots are growing through the topdressing that I made. Also, I'm not sure how to slow down growth in a SIP or if it's even possible. I always get very fast growth, like veg period is cut way down.

 

[NewGrower2011]

I think that confirms my suspicions; I have seen very fine roots in topdressing before but just wasn't sure if 6" of new soil would have different outcome than just a thin layer like you have when top dressing. I want to ensure I get a robust root ball in the new mix added on top for when I do flip.

And yeah, SIPs sure do take off once they root. I think the only way I can slow 'em down is to be stingy with the amount of water in my rez and use a diluted veg mix at first while keeping the lights dialed back a bit.

If I rework things a bit I might be able to manage heat better and just go for the run and not wait after all. Might try setting room up like a flip/flop and run same wattage or close to it but split across 2 tents placed in my room. That should let me deal with the heat potentially.

 

[Angus Hung]

Im pretty sure roots grow down not up. and the roots nearest to the top like to be near the top. iv always liked to see the peat puck 1/2 sticking out of the top of the soil its up potted into.

 

[NewGrower2011]

Right, I remember seeing things speaking about not to cover the top of the prior root ball, mound things, etc. I usually have about an inch or so popping up over the top of my soil beds. That's why I've hesitated and was wondering not only if it doesn't work well - if there's any negative consequences or considerations.

Initially I was worried the nutes simply wouldn't get used being a SIP since I'm not top-watering (except the rare occasion / top-feeding some goodies). If the roots don't grow "up" and into that top layer in such a way to effectively use that soil it's sort of a fail. Those fine feeder roots may be sufficient - maybe not and that's where I was questioning things.

 

[Angus Hung]

I think the fine top roots like to be dry and the bottom roots like to be damp. so if you bury them they will not dry out properly and will have trouble breathing. im sure the plants wont die but they will not fill the soil with roots.

 

[Merkn4aSquirtn]

I think the fine top roots like to be dry and the bottom roots like to be damp. so if you bury them they will not dry out properly and will have trouble breathing. im sure the plants wont die but they will not fill the soil with roots.

Ok so to answer your question.. if you fill up halfway and leave the stem exposed.. that exposed stem will harden and basically bark up. It'll be hard for roots to grow out. So my thought would be you would basically waste half the root space. Roots can start coming up too if the top layer stays moist and if you have humidity issues, but not like what you're thinking. Thanks @JoeBlow5823 for that info!

 

[JimmiP]

Well I don't use SIPs. Just soil in fabric pots and plastic pots during early veg. I have always buried the plants deeper when moving to larger pots and each time the roots have filled up the soil on top. I have also put up too three more inches on top right at the start of flowering (had some plants that vegged longer than usual) and that soil was almost completely full of roots by the harvest.
This picture was taken after harvest, when I took the plant out of the fabric pot and put it on the compost pile. If you look you ca see the top layer of added soil. And if you zoom in you can see plenty of roots exposed on top.

 

[MustangStudFarm]

I think that confirms my suspicions; I have seen very fine roots in topdressing before but just wasn't sure if 6" of new soil would have different outcome than just a thin layer like you have when top dressing. I want to ensure I get a robust root ball in the new mix added on top for when I do flip.

And yeah, SIPs sure do take off once they root. I think the only way I can slow 'em down is to be stingy with the amount of water in my rez and use a diluted veg mix at first while keeping the lights dialed back a bit.

If I rework things a bit I might be able to manage heat better and just go for the run and not wait after all. Might try setting room up like a flip/flop and run same wattage or close to it but split across 2 tents placed in my room. That should let me deal with the heat potentially.

Why not try your luck on an outdoor grow in the summer?

 

[NewGrower2011]

Red State. So nothing outdoor unless guerrilla and I'm not looking to go sneaking around to tend the field and risk harvest time collecting it.

99.99% sure my state will be the last to legalize, and then only because Feds got their heads out of their asses.

 

[JimmiP]

Red State. So nothing outdoor unless guerrilla and I'm not looking to go sneaking around to tend the field and risk harvest time collecting it.

99.99% sure my state will be the last to legalize, and then only because Feds got their heads out of their asses.

So,,, are you an Iowaegian??? Just kidding. You don't have to answer that.

 

[MustangStudFarm]

Red State. So nothing outdoor unless guerrilla and I'm not looking to go sneaking around to tend the field and risk harvest time collecting it.

99.99% sure my state will be the last to legalize, and then only because Feds got their heads out of their asses.

I was there too, I thought Okla was going to be dead last. Okla had to go through the petition process and that's why our laws favor the people. I signed several petitions before one passed and I was voting in the Gov elections.