Root Trainers

[Hyacinth]

...so that's 'thank you' from him....and 'thank you' from me.......sprouting broccoli I've always started off directly into the soil & transplanted when of a suitable size. And then staked and staked and staked to prevent wind-rock. Never used root trainers for anything. :-[  

So memo to myself will be to hunt out this thread again in the spring. Cheers, Lishka.

And a Special Happy New Year to You, John - keep 'em coming :-*

[Hyacinth]

[Ceri]

I'm just thinking aloud here - but could you use topless and bottomless clear plastic bottles as root trainers for tall thin things.  Half fill them with compost and then seed/s in.  When you plant them out plant the whole thing - the plastic above the ground gives wind/cold/slug etc. protection throughout the plant's growth - I was thinking about sweetcorn and runner beans which don't need the width.  Infinitely re-usable as well.  My neighbour gets through loads and loads of these so I can get them for nowt.  If light would affect the roots before you put them out, you could wrap them with something.  Comments please

[legless]

root trainers are too expensive for me, if it won't grow in a little pot (inherited a thousand or so) or seed tray or some elaborate recycled contraption using toilet rolls or bottles or something, i'm afraid it won't grow!

i'll live and learn for next year... :)

[campanula]

I could never afford root trainers - I use Jiffy 7's for everything - you can buy them in three different sizes from Kays Horticultural (fab catalogue) in lots of 500 (about £20) up to 2000. The largest ones are good for just about everything(45mm) but I generally use mostly the 30mm size.
Definately the best way to sow seeds I have evr found, Often, if they are drying out too much, then I out 5 jiffys with seedlings in a larger pot, say 5inch - when it comes to planting out, the jiffy's separate well and root disturbance is minimal.
good luck, cheers, suzy