Debunking the Myth that You Need to Start Growing Cannabis in a 4" Pot

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Contrary to what some growers believe, starting cannabis cultivation in a small 4" pot before transplanting into a larger container is not necessary. Many growers aren’t aware that moving plants directly from propagation into the final, larger growing container can lead to significantly better results.

Science shows it’s a myth that starting small is essential. Keep reading to learn why it's better to use a single transplant growing system.

The Myth: Starting in a 4" Pot is Necessary

Many cannabis cultivators believe that beginning with a small pot and then moving plants to larger containers is the best approach. This traditional method is thought to promote better root development and plant health.

However, the reality is that multiple transplants can cause unnecessary stress and delay the growth cycle.

The Truth: Start in a Larger Container to Avoid Transplant Shock and Get Better Results

There is actually no benefit to starting in a 4” pot, but there are proven consequences that can negatively affect your plants, including transplant shock.

Transplant shock occurs when plants experience stress due to changes in their environment, such as temperature, light, and humidity variations. Moving a plant from one container to another exacerbates this stress, leading to symptoms like wilted, curled, or discolored leaves. Each transplant can add days to the grow cycle and negatively impact the plant's overall health.

To minimize transplant shock, it's better to reduce the number of times a plant is moved. By transplanting once – from the propagation stage directly into the final growing container – growers can significantly decrease the stress on plants.

This single transplant system saves time, reduces labor costs, and promotes healthier plant development.

Why a Single Transplant System Works

  1. Reduced Stress: Each transplant adds stress to the plant. By limiting the number of transplants to one, plants have less environmental change to adapt to, resulting in quicker recovery and stronger growth.

  2. Better Root Health: Transplanting directly to the final container prevents the plant from becoming root-bound, a condition where roots entangle and limit nutrient uptake. This ensures healthier and more extensive root development.

  3. Increased Efficiency: Minimizing transplants reduces the time needed for plants to recover, allowing growers to move through grow cycles faster. This efficiency can lead to an extra half cycle of growth per year, increasing overall yield and revenue.

Use Biochar to Support Plant Health

Biochar has been proven to mitigate transplant shock and improve plant health. Research across various agricultural sectors shows that biochar enhances soil quality, aids in stress tolerance, and boosts crop yields. For cannabis cultivators, incorporating high-quality biochar into soil provides the best environment for plants.

For example, bio365’s patented bioCORE™ biochar delivers:

  • Enhanced microbial activity as a host to bio365’s bioCHARGE™ wide-spectrum biology, which supports plant health

  • Improved nutrient availability (on-demand)

  • Increased water retention and availability (as needed), which reduces the risk of overwatering or underwatering

Growers using bio365’s biochar-enriched soil have reported healthier plants with minimal transplant shock. For example, Apothca Inc. in Massachusetts and Potent Farms in Oregon are just two growers who have seen significant improvements in plant vitality and reduction in transplant shock using bio365 soil.

Key Takeaways for Cannabis Cultivators

  1. Adopt a Single Transplant System: Transplant directly from propagation into the final growing container to reduce stress, save time, and improve plant health.

  2. Use Quality Biochar: Use bio365’s growing media with our patented biochar to enhance root development and overall plant resilience.

  3. Rethink Traditional Practices: Challenge the notion that starting in a small pot is necessary. Embrace strategies that streamline the growing process and optimize plant performance.

“That’s how we’ve always done it,” isn’t always the best business strategy. By moving away from the traditional multi-transplant method and adopting a single transplant system with bio365’s biochar-enhanced growing media, cannabis cultivators can achieve better results, save money, and increase overall yield.

For those ready to make the switch, bio365 soil offers a proven solution to reduce transplant shock and promote healthier, more robust plants. Start a trial or contact us to learn more and start optimizing your cultivation process today.