"Air pruning" roots

 I've been reading about air-pruning potted plants roots to get bushier
and more extensive root systems and avoiding encircling roots.  Mostly
it seems to be a for nursery trees, but looks like it would have
application for starting garden seedlings.  Does anybody know what I'm
talking about, and have you tried it?

Here's one of the links:
http://depts.washington.edu/propplnt/Chapters/air-pruning.htm

I might experiment late this winter with starting seeds in upside-down
3-ounce Dixie cups with a 3/4" hole cut in the bottom.  The entire
bottom of the "pot" is exposed to air that way, and a tray of them
would rest on 1/4" hardware cloth.  If it's a total failure, I'll
still have time to start replacement seeds in conventional flats.

Watering might be a problem, doing this indoors instead of a greenhouse.

-Bob

 

talking about, and have you tried it?

Yes,  for a few years now for bonsai and some hardier herbs .  Great
for developing trees,bushes and shrubs, usually plants longer term
than seedlings going into a  veggie garden.  A version is often used
as a Bonsai trick as well.

Recommend you try net post such as you would use in a pond garden and
some hydro setups. Rounds and squares from 2" up, squares config best
on benches and such.  Lasts longer than Dixie cups, relative
inexpensive,  as well as are reusable.  Added benefits differ from
conventional pots because of air flows on side ( & a more open
bottom).

Variations are only limited by your imagination,  Some newer
variations are coming out ( flip thru the pics on this one:
http://www.proptek.com/pages/trays/index.php?ref=128S67F . longer
growing tubes).  Pint size plastic berry containers work also if you
have a large enough substrate to prevent your "soil" from falling out
the holes. These are a 12 container shipping flat configuration.
Certain of my trees in training are in the large plastic soda carriers
(handles make them easy to carry) lined with fiberglass screen
material.

Review your watering schedule as seasons change and yes...common sense
should prevail when watering indoors.