Containers

Let’s discuss containers in regard to the growing or production of Cannabis.

Containers must be of the correct volume desired, hold the type of medium chosen, be made of a non-toxic material that is capable of lasting for the duration of the life of the plant, have the proper drainage and also the capability to hold solution, be it nutrient rich or water of the desired PPM for the desired duration of time, be of feasible cost and possibly aid the fitting within the system being used.

There are other aspects that might play a factor in the decision or selection of containers such as reusability and the economy involved, but let’s start with what we have mentioned so far. Volume of the container is directly related to the size of plants you intend to produce. Obviously a clone that is 3” to 4” tall would require a container that is smaller than a container for a plant that you desire to produce a certain amount at maturity.

Container size decisions need to be on a graduated system of increasing scale as the subject plants require more space to grow. A container can prohibit the growth of a plant by being constricting and not providing the ability for proper oxygenation at the root zone. Also a container could improve growth rates by providing unrestricted development of the roots and allowing unrestricted oxygenation to the subterranean section of the plant. These factors are also affected by mediums and their individual makeups.

Since this container discussion has progressed into mediums we will investigate not the mediums themselves available at this time but rather the ability of the container to hold the medium within its confines and not allow an appreciable amount to leach away.

Aeration factors also include containers, though mediums are the primary subject when on this topic a container optimally should not restrict the aeration capacity within the root zone. Yet you would not want to use an aquatic type mesh pattern container to hold an organic based medium that would not be able to prevent excessive runoff and loss of medium at unacceptable levels. As a producer you should always be searching for ways of increasing your end result. If a container has too much drainage the solution that you have applied to provide moisture to the plant will not be in contact with the roots for a sufficient amount of time and growth rates will suffer and waste will consume profits.

Containers also expressly need to be made of a non toxic material that will not degrade and leach into the system or produce an unwanted chemical or biological reaction producing unwanted effects. Also the life span of the container needs to be longer than the duration that it is in use containing the root system of your plants. It is at least a major inconvenience to you if you have structural container failure and disastrous if your plants sustain damage. Plastic bag containers are an example; yes they are a joy to transplant from but you would never want to use a container like this for parent stock that requires a much longer commitment that can last years. Plastic bag containers are not easily cleaned and normally don’t last long enough but for short durations, though they are an option for a disposable scenario type of container.

This brings us to cost feasibility and initial start up costs. Quality type containers of the exact shape and configuration you desire are not as inexpensive as plastic bag type containers though they provide structural integrity and quite possibly more volume for medium and roots such as square verses round. Square containers utilize space more efficiently than round but maybe not as much as hexagonal shaped containers and the option and decision is yours dependant upon the system used. Reusability is also a factor in overall costs and could sustain savings in the long run. There are many other issues to discuss on containers in the future but for now this is something for you to digest.

Good growing from the GroPro Guys. Note: add above ground swimming pools as containers and size relation.