3 vs. 5 Gallon Buckets

[bigsby]

I have 3 gallon pots but I'm wondering whether I should move up to 5 gallon pots. I know the rule of thumb, 1 gallon per foot. I can get by with 3 foot plants although I would like to get to 4 feet. I can't go much bigger than that. Medium is soil. Style is ScrOG.

I'm moving from being an outdoor farmer to indoor so even 4 feet seems small but I'll just grow a few more plants indoors to make up for it. I guess my question is, can I grow a decent 4 foot plant in a 3 gallon bucket or do I need to step up to 5 gallons? I already have my pots so my preference is to stay at 3 gallons if possible.

Your experience appreciated.

bigsby Reviewed by bigsby on 07-01-2010. 3 vs. 5 Gallon Buckets I have 3 gallon pots but I'm wondering whether I should move up to 5 gallon pots. I know the rule of thumb, 1 gallon per foot. I can get by with 3 foot plants although I would like to get to 4 feet. I can't go much bigger than that. Medium is soil. Style is ScrOG. I'm moving from being an outdoor farmer to indoor so even 4 feet seems small ;) but I'll just grow a few more plants indoors to make up for it. I guess my question is, can I grow a decent 4 foot plant in a 3 gallon bucket or do I Rating: 5

[bigtopsfinn]

From seed I'd be prepared to use 4 or 5 gals, with clones you should be able to get away with 3 gals. More root space = more growth above soil :thumbsup:

[bigsby]

Don't you deal in liters? :0

Yeah, more roots = bigger canopy. That is what prompted my rethink on 3 gallons. I'll be doing a seed run to start and then clones adding an occasional new strain from time to time. Starting with AK48 and Pink Grapefruit plus I have a mix pack that includes Hawaiian Snow, Super Silver Haze, Lemon Skunk, White Rhino, and Big Bang. I'll be adding these lines in over time.

[GetThisOrDie]

I can definitely see the difference having more root space in the 5g compared to the 3g.

My 3g plants tend to be shorter single cola plants but when I use the 5g giving them alot of room they explode with side growth during the stretch.

You will be able to get away with the 4ft in a 3g... ive done it before but your yield will go down. It will go up if you switch to a 5g.

[bigsby]

Yeah this seems to be the consensus from what I've been reading. I like my 3 gallon buckets. They fit the space nicely. I need to get two more buckets so I'll make those 5s and then compare.

[stra8outtaWeed]

just look for squares as you can utilize your space better with either size you choose. :thumbsup:

[bigsby]

Here is a related question. Can anyone comment on the benefits of a taller but more narrow bucket vs. a wider but shorter bucket? Both being 5 gallons. I guess the question is, do the plants prefer to spread their roots wide vs. deep? I'm thinking wider is preferable but I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

[bigsby]

Yeah I have squares in the starter and 1 gallon sizes but not the bigger sizes where it really counts I guess...

My clones and mothers will be in squares in a small tent so I gain the space efficiencies there.

[Dutch Pimp]

a lot of female plants?...3 gallon...a few female plants?..5 gallon

I sex the plants before the final transplant......and I don't transplant males...DOH!..:stoned:

[bigsby]

Can you explain the logic here? I'll be flowering 6 - 8 max.