are rootrainers that good?

[Naga]

I thought about buying some rootrainers for my lavender seed and rosemary cuttings... Would you say their worth it or a slight gimmick?

[Shadylane]

I don't like the long ones, they use up loads of compost and break easily(or mine did) so I got some of the compact ones, which I prefer. They're good for beans, but I wouldn't bother for things like herbs.

[veggiechicken]

I have some of each but find them too fragile. Maybe I'm just to clumsy for them
Didn't even think of using them this year
Something similar made from stronger plastic would suit me. Put your cuttings around the rim of a flowerpot - or start them in water and pot up when rooted.

[Gina's plot]

I like them I have had mine for a couple of years and had good results with beans

[Bren In Pots]

I use newspaper pots or loo rolls for anything that doesn't like its roots disturbing then plants pots for the rest.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have used mine for runner beans for the last 3 or 4 years and really like them.

Mind you me being a delicate soul mine may last longer than some, you know who you are don't you.

Potty

[dim]

airpots is the way forward

you just unclip the sides and fold fold it away ... then reuse the airpots for the next planting .... I have used these on shrubs such as tetrapanex rex, ricinus, trachycarpus etc and have compared the roots of the same plants that were planted in conventional pots

you get amazing root structure using these:

How the Air-Pot works

[Andypandi]

I think they are way too expensive for what they are so refuse to buy them. Most of my plants seem to do ok in normal pots.

[dim]

I think they are way too expensive for what they are so refuse to buy them. Most of my plants seem to do ok in normal pots.

depends what you grow .... I've tested and compared them to conventional pots, and have had amazing results ..... they are re-useable and will last a lifetime ...

and they are not very expensive

[Florence Fennel]

I've only two sets of rootrainers and I only use them for peas and beans, but have had very good results. I do find them fiddly to fill, but this is their third season so they can't be too fragile because I am heavy handed!

[marchogaeth]

I've got four sets and have used them over and over again for the last 2 years. After the initial bit of breakage, they seem to have stabilized. They do produce a nice root "ball" if plants are in there for a reasonable length of time. They are particularly good for beans, brassicas, chard that I am growing until quite a big size until I plant out into the tunnel (or garden).

I've got the filling more or less sorted using a big tray in which I stand the trainers, it has enough space round it for "brush off" not to go to waste.

I have been looking at them recently seriously debating whether I would replace them and am still not sure. The one thing I wish I had bought was the spacer bars and some spare holders to increase flexibility.

[Two_Sheds]

I don't like them either. Flimsy, floppy, they spill compost everywhere. I trialled them against 3" pots and the pots won: better roots, better plants, less mess

[Glutton4...]

Personally, I like them. They stay put in their little frames, and take up less room than pots.

Bet you wish you'd never asked now!

[Hazel at the Hill]

I've got some of the longer ones, but I find that once I have my peas/beans growing nicely and ready to plant out that this is the difficult bit. When I open the two halves, I can't seem to coax out one pot at a time - I end up disturbing the soil quite radically - they collapse half way or all four flop out at once, and my hands aren't big enough to support the length of soil - all of which rather ruins the whole idea.

It's a bit frustrating, as I'm sure that it's just me, I just haven't got the knack.

[taff]

I like them, I have 2 x 32's. Good for beans, peas, sweetcorn, courgettes, squash etc.
They do use a lot of compost to fill, but then I don't pot them on, I wait till they're big and sturdy, plant them out, and then watch the slugs eat them