Multiple plants in single growing tray

[sharer6969]

In relation to the SOG soil garden questions I posted in a previous thread, I asked about ways to maximalize root space in pots where the horizontal dimension of the grow space is quite limited, but the vertical splace is not. After getting a thumbs up for the idea of simply using a very deep set of pots (perhaps something made of little cut lengths of ABS tubing with drilled caps on the bottom?), someone suggested that in addition to using a deep growing pot, that I consider sticking all of the plants in a single tray.

Now, I've caught in passing (in reading other articles, message boards, etc.) that some would say this isn't a good idea and can pose problems. Is this in fact the case, and if so, why? If it isn't the case, would it still be of any help to do this, or would the net effect be the same as growing the plants in their own pots?

sharer6969 Reviewed by sharer6969 on 02-12-2007. Multiple plants in single growing tray In relation to the SOG soil garden questions I posted in a previous thread, I asked about ways to maximalize root space in pots where the horizontal dimension of the grow space is quite limited, but the vertical splace is not. After getting a thumbs up for the idea of simply using a very deep set of pots (perhaps something made of little cut lengths of ABS tubing with drilled caps on the bottom?), someone suggested that in addition to using a deep growing pot, that I consider sticking all of Rating: 5

[bejay]

in a sog using a soil bed has some advantages as it gives more area for the roots versus pots, its not a good choice with other methods of growing as the roots from other plants will actually be using the same area and there for will actualy grow together wich would make transplanting very difficult without causing alot of damage, but in a sog you wouldnt be needing to transplant as they are in the soil bed from start to finish.

[sharer6969]

in a sog using a soil bed has some advantages as it gives more area for the roots versus pots, its not a good choice with other methods of growing as the roots from other plants will actually be using the same area and there for will actualy grow together wich would make transplanting very difficult without causing alot of damage, but in a sog you wouldnt be needing to transplant as they are in the soil bed from start to finish.

So IOW. putting multiple plants in a single pot is only a concern if the grower plans on transplanting the plants at some point? So like you say, if that's not the case (and it certainly wasn't what I had in mind with the type of SOG grow set up I've been looking at) then it shouldn't be a problem at all. That's good to know, as it would actually make everything a little simpler in the grow space.