Root trainer query

[jackyspratty]

Hi all
Got some birthday money today and have decided to invest some in some root trainers, having read glowing reports on here. I'm a bit confused about what type to get as they seem to come in different sizes? Can anyone offer advice?
Many thanks

[Alison]

What do you want to grow in them?

I've got some of the standard ones and some of the deep ones. To be honest I find the standard ones better as they use less compost but still seem to do really well for the beans, sunflowers, sweetpeas etc which I use them for.

[jackyspratty]

Thanks Alison. Defo want to do beans, peas, sweet peas, sunflowers. Thought about cucumbers and toms. Not really sure what will grow well in them to be honest? Just thought I deserved a little treat!

[Pies]

Ive got some deep and standard ones,i doubt it makes much difference though

[northepaul]

If you have deep rooted plants, why not try kitchen roll inners? (Sorry if this has already been tried, just trying to be helpful )

[jackyspratty]

good idea i know, but we dont use kitchen roll enough to collect enough! Was just wondering what size and if there is anything you shouldn't grow in them?

[smallblueplanet]

Use the search facility on the menu bar - there's loads of threads about rootrainers. They usually descend into a sort of 'marmite debate'! Folk either love 'em or hate 'em!

I love 'em...

We've got our early toms/chillies/peppers and aubs potted up into the 8cm ones. We've some broad beans in the 8x4 12cm ones. We grow climbing beans in those too. We'll start dwarf french beans in them too...the worlds your oyster.

[Alison]

Basically you can grow pretty much anything in root trainers but there are some things, such as beans etc which benefit more from their advantages. I have quite a few but don't see a time when I will ever put peppers, tomatoes etc in them but am not knocking those who do.

[Bigmallly]

Have a look in "Vegging Out" Donna, there's a whole thread dedicated to the subject. There may be something on there to help you.

[marathon]

I buy the 12cm in bulk as i use so many and I only normally order the deep ones. Speaking to the company direct the deeper ones are more popular.

I also don't grow tom's,peepers or cucumbers in them but apart from that everything else can be grown in them

[Rossa]

I've been looking at some used ones on ebay. They're listed as Rootrainers. There's a batch of 6 x 32 from a nursery near York for total cost of £21.88 inc P&P. That's 192 cells at 11p each. Has frame but no lids.

6 x Rootrainers (Deep) - used Root trainers 2nd grade on eBay (end time 01-Apr-10 11:28:55 BST)

There are another 3 listings though they work out more expensive when you add in the P&P.

I use white plastic vending cups from Morrisons and stand them in trays that previously had bedding plants in them. Some grapes say the roots can end up going round rather than down, so maybe the trainers are better for some things like beans and peas.

"... I went from adolescence to senility, trying to bypass maturity ..." - Tom Lehrer
Earth Wind and Fire

[marathon]

I've been looking at some used ones on ebay. They're listed as Rootrainers. There's a batch of 6 x 32 from a nursery near York for total cost of £21.88 inc P&P. That's 192 cells at 11p each. Has frame but no lids.

6 x Rootrainers (Deep) - used Root trainers 2nd grade on eBay (end time 01-Apr-10 11:28:55 BST)

There are another 3 listings though they work out more expensive when you add in the P&P.

Don't bother if they are claiming they have been used several times and there are cracks in them how can they possibly ask £14.99 - complete rip off

Justv keep you eye open as I got my first few lots when they were on offer there.

I'll try and dig out the companies phone number as you can buy them direct

[jackyspratty]

Don't bother if they are claiming they have been used several times and there are cracks in them how can they possibly ask £14.99 - complete rip off

Justv keep you eye open as I got my first few lots when they were on offer there.

I'll try and dig out the companies phone number as you can buy them direct

Thanks marathon that would be great! Think it was looking on ebay that swelled my confusion! Ia it best to get them with lids? Do you sow direct into them or transplant the seedlings?

[zazen999]

You sow direct Donna. You don't NEED lids but they help if it is something that needs warmer temps.

[marathon]

Thanks marathon that would be great! Think it was looking on ebay that swelled my confusion! Ia it best to get them with lids? Do you sow direct into them or transplant the seedlings?

Sorry haven't had chance to look for phone number due to childrens various clubs

I sow big seeds direct but little seeds like say sprouts I sow loads in a small pot and then after first set of leaves I move to the r/trainer. I buy my R/T books without the frame (as i have a few already) adult shoes boxes fit 7 books snugly. Sometimes I transplant in a domino pattern to allow a little more space around the baby plants. Of course you can sow all seeds direct into the R/T but I foind my plants are stronger as I can plant a bit deeper when transplanting.

This is just how I use Root trainers