In middle of my first grow; questions to the green thumbs! Indoor2Outdoor / Rootbind.

Topic: Grow box size / Planter size & when to do 2nd Transplant to Outdoors


Hi all, thanks for your time and help. Have been following forums so far; but have now come to seek specific guidance, heh.

I am growing two strains of plants (Feminized seeds: God bud and the Purp from http://bcseedking.com/) and everything has been going great and better then expected thus far.

Background:

-The seeds started germination process in to Pro-mix soiless 3 weeks ago today in party cups. (27/28 germinated; 3 were runts... A friend has other half)

- SETUP:
Rubbermaid bin 3.5ft long x 2 ft wide x 2.5 ft tall
4 X 200 watt CFL 6500k
20/4 now winding down to 16/8 in anticipation of transplant outdoors
Intake and outtake fans
Moisture and Temperature levels consistent and on target

- After 1.5 weeks (3 inches tall and 3-4 sets of leaves) I transplanted them into the 1.35 Liters (.4 Gallon) planted seen in the attached pictures. Used Promix, Sheep Manure, CIL Organic Soil with slow release nutes, Bone and Blood Meal, and Plantrod Root Booster 5-15-5 (fed 3 times with water post transplant)

This is about 2 weeks, 2 days old (now 3 weeks):


- They are currently 5-8 inches tall most being 6 inches with their leaves extending beyond their own planters rim into each other.

Problems & Concerns:

Today I removed one of the dryer babies from it's planter to inspect the roots for their growth levels and signs of root bound as some roots were showing out of a few of the babies recently.


1) As expected, the roots were fairly root bound, I thought? Is that really bad or?? Now I have read that is good to have them root bounf beforre transplanting outside, as I was planning to transplant them next weekend (10 days away); however, I am now reconsidering (thinking this weekend (3 days away) due to the roots situation and the fact they have filled out their canopy in the box and only have room to grow upwards now. Thoughts & Advice?

2) Do you think I am safe to wait another 10 days or will root bind be too significant/damaging for the babies?

3) Are they big and strong enough to go out this weekend (7-9) inches by then most likely...

4) I was also considering planting 6 this weekend and keeping 6 of them vegging in the box until next weekend in bigger 3.8 Liters (1 Gallon) planters. Which ones do you think would do better / would be more beneficial, them outdoors or indoors for an extra week?


5) How important is hardening the plants off before putting them outdoors? What are your techniques?

6) Also the accompanying picture is of my one plant which seems to be sicks or something. It his droopy and shriveled but not its not like dry gonna break /brittle, the soil/moisture is fine.. It also seems have like a subtle white hue within the green of the leafs...



Thank you all again . Much appreciated.

Are they Sativa or Indica dominant?
They are safe to go outside at that size.
Hardening off is a good idea, but it's not always necessary.
How harsh is your environment?
Just to be on the safe side, I would put them near a bush or something for a couple of days so that they get filtered sunlight mostly and a couple of hours of direct sunlight. That should be plenty unless you live in the desert or something.

In my mind there is a difference between root bound and pot bound. Pot bound is when the roots start to swirl around the pot. Root bound is when the roots have been pot bound so long that they have sorta ientangled themselves within themselves... if that makes sense. It is hard for them to grow because their roots are in the way. Pot bound isn't ideal, but when you have a good solid root ball it is helpful for transplanting.

Thanks for yout help. The environment is near Ottawa, Canada in Quebec. They will be facing south on the side of a mountain and some near a lake, pond, tree clearing, etc.. Im thinking 4 spots.

The God Bud is a Indica it says, however doesn't clarify for the Purps... What would that effect, imply?


BC God bud is the ultimate Indica and a cannabis cup winner. This plant remains fairly short and dense, perfect for a smaller set up. The flowers are loaded with crystals and deliver a unique taste. God bud is a hardy strain and pest resistant. This strain is also suitable for medical marijuana users and is great for night time relaxing.
FLOWERING TIME: 8-9 weeks
HARVEST: Early October

The Purps is one of the most popular strains and produces high level of THC. The buzz is uplifting and a smooth taste. Growers can expect heavy yield and hard crystal covered buds. The Purps is a wonderful selection for the beginner or experienced grower.
FLOWERING TIME: 8-9 weeks.
HARVEST: End Sept


So do you think mine are currently root bound or pot bound? I think there just pot pound, but it looks signficant?

What are your (and everyones) thoughts on#4
4) I was also considering planting 6 this weekend and keeping 6 of them vegging in the box until next weekend in bigger 3.8 Liters (1 Gallon) planters. Which ones do you think would do better / would be more beneficial, them outdoors or indoors for an extra week?

Bump. Help pls n thx