Why Transplant ?? just a noob question

I have been reading a crap-load in the last few weeks but have not come across the reason
people transplant the plants, and sometimes more than once. As somebody who knows nothing
I would think to just start in a big pot and not stress the plant out by moving it.
I'm sure there is a simple, good reason. Please let me know.
Thanks

tonegrow said:

I have been reading a crap-load in the last few weeks but have not come across the reason
people transplant the plants, and sometimes more than once. As somebody who knows nothing
I would think to just start in a big pot and not stress the plant out by moving it.
I'm sure there is a simple, good reason. Please let me know.
Thanks

Click to expand...

I too would like to know the reason behind this, it seems to be one of the only things I can find on the forums....thanks for this post.

here ya go, posted just a couple of days ago

https://www.rollitup.org/newbie-central/509691-questing-about-transplanting-plants.html

IMHO the main reason for this is the 'ounce of prevention' theory. If there is too much medium for a new seedling there would be more room for error with over-watering and over-feeding etc. Personally I really think it comes down to choice. I do 1 transplant per cycle. I start in 4" pots and after they have a strong root system they go in a 3 gal bag, that is where they stay.

Simple answer - watering and space.

Its a lot easier to water seedlings in tiny pots than larger ones. Also any week ones can be eliminated before forking out for soil and feed in a larger pot.

Starting in small pots and working your way up utilizes more of the soil available and you won't get root bound as easily, it also gets new fresh soil every time you transplant as opposed to the same shit throughout the life of the plant. If you do hydro you don't transplant.

Thank you all !! doctor.j - i will check out that link right now. thanks a million.

Couple reasons...
If you are starting a number of seedlings... say 10 or 20 - 3 or 5 gallon containers would take up SO much space. In my case I start hundreds of veggie and flower seedlings to be moved outdoors in May... I would be screwed if I tried to start them all in larger containers...
Secondly, a lot of folks start a gang of seeds only to cull the weak and keep the best... again wouldn't be space efficient.
Lastly, lots of folks start their seeds in a "soilless" mix to start them and then transplant to a medium with nutrients in it... so as to feed the plants as they grow.