Quote Originally Posted by jchap
the reason for the shallow soil

as the plant grows i will top it up

allowing for some stretch
Are you worried about stagnant air in there? I hear some bad things can start up like that.

What about when you start getting nodes, how are you going to keep filling then? The roots are still going to be below that first soil level. I imagine in time they'd eventually grow above that line and into the added soil but would be rootbound at that point.

I think it might be better if you pick a smaller pot for now (like dixie cups with holes) and bring the soil more level to the top of the cup/pot, and then transplant when you need to. From what I understand, while transplanting is something that has some risk to it if not done properly, it's something necessary at some point and can be extremely beneficial as long as you plan it right and do it right.

Starting off your seedlings, they're in a very clean soil right? Well they'll start growing and need nutrients from different and new soil right? So wouldn't you rather transplant out of a smaller container into a larger one with better/more appropriate soil for your plants age once they start growing and are needing more nutrients and aren't seedlings anymore?