Root trainers

[Lazgaot]

I'm not convinced on how important the "grooves" are in forcing the roots down. The roots will naturally grow down anyway. The main points for me is that they are much deeper than modules (so the seedling can develop a long/deep root system), the seedling is removed MUCH easier when transplanting so no broken and tangled roots and they are sturdy and reuseable year after year.

[Flummery]

I'm not convinced on how important the "grooves" are in forcing the roots down. The roots will naturally grow down anyway. The main points for me is that they are much deeper than modules (so the seedling can develop a long/deep root system), the seedling is removed MUCH easier when transplanting so no broken and tangled roots and they are sturdy and reuseable year after year.

I've seen roots go round and round a pot. They don't always go down. At least when they hit a groove they are 'induced' to go down. The depth is fantastic though I agree.

PS - the fact that they open like a book really saves root damage.

[COMPOST CORNER]

So are the ones in Wilko's at £7:00 for 32 5" deep rootrainers a bargain? And how are they watered? They seem to have a frame to fit the "modules" in, and a propogater type clear plastic top, but no water containing outer tray, or am I confused again?

[oldie]

Only the "compact" ones come with a drip tray. They have 5 books of 4 cells and are a better size for windowsill use. Mind you I use all of mine on a windowsill, standing in a tray with capillary matting in the bottom but I get them out into a cold frame as soon as possible and before I get into trouble.

[Pies]

So are the ones in Wilko's at £7:00 for 32 5" deep rootrainers a bargain? And how are they watered? They seem to have a frame to fit the "modules" in, and a propogater type clear plastic top, but no water containing outer tray, or am I confused again?

I just stand mine in the lid

[pipscariad]

See what you've done with this thread Zazen - I ordered myself 2 trays of the deep rootrainers this afternoon!!

Bought them on Ebay @ £6.99 each post free, so I'm happy that I've paid a reasonable price for them. Can't wait for them to arrive now.... I keep telling myself that it's a good investment - I shall have to look after them very carefully!

[zazen999]

If only I'd had the foresight to buy a job lot and put them on ebay before posting this. Doh!!!

[COMPOST CORNER]

Just one question Zazen, I read the bumph attached to the roottrainers in Wilko's today (no money til Friday) and that said the initial root died off when it reached the air at the bottom of the cell.
Your initial picture would seem to suggest this ain't neccessarily so.

[zazen999]

I've not experienced that to be honest; I'm always pulling the roots out of the tiny space that they grow through as it gets smaller once you open the books. I suppose pulling the roots through is nearly the same as it dying off....all in all!

[Brengirl]

I planned to buy some root trainers this morning in our local shops. Not in yet! So I bought instead a packet of 40 Polystyrene cups for £1. I plan to use these fo my runners etc. I will cut the bottoms off and stand in a tray of moist compost. Hopefully the roots will grow down and they should be quite easy to lift for planting out. At that price per cup it's worth a try.

[COMPOST CORNER]

Zazen I spent £7:98 today on the 5" root trainers from Wilkos so I hold you responsible if they are rubbish.

[zazen999]

Zazen I spent £7:98 today on the 5" root trainers from Wilkos so I hold you responsible if they are rubbish.

You won't regret it.

[pipscariad]

My rootrainers arrived in the post today - it was like having an extra birthday . Now I can't wait to get something into them, but the thing is, what shall I choose, decisions, decisions....

Is there anything that rootrainer experts particularly recommend for this time fo year?

[Bramble_killer]

mine arrived today too! may soak some more peas to try them out.

i have 50 in sets of 5 cells so can mix and match. VERY excited. i think i'm a bit weird

[Glutton4...]

... i think i'm a bit weird

Me too - I bought a heap of used ones on eBay last week thanks to a tip on here, can't wait to get sommat in them! Thanks for the tip!