Homemade Root trainers!

[veggiechicken]

Take one large, clean, yoghout tub (500g). Cut from rim to base and across the base. Roll one cut side into the tub to the desired size and secure with an elastic band. You need to make an extra cut across the base to form 4 triangular segments. These tuck inside each other to make the base. Voila!!
Here is one I made earlier!

[Bigmallly]

Forgive me vc but I thought the purpose of a rootrainer was to stop the roots from circling in the pot, hence the vertical grooves in rootraines which allow the roots to follow the grooves. I think that's the theory.

[Kleftiwallah]

Great idea and to follow up bigmally's comment. Isn't there a kids soft drink carton with vertical grooves? I'm sure I've seen it in't shops. Cheers, Tony.

[Bigmallly]

Great idea and to follow up bigmally's comment. Isn't there a kids soft drink carton with vertical grooves? I'm sure I've seen it in't shops. Cheers, Tony.

If you find out the name, it may be worth while putting another post.

[veggiechicken]

I've never been the proud owner of a root trainer so I admit ignorance of their finer design features!!!
BUT why would the roots of a pea go round in circles when it could grow down?
Should I call it a " reusable plastic substitute for a toilet roll thingy" instead?

[Bigmallly]

Just for you vc.......

[veggiechicken]

Is that your dreadlocks, BM?

[Bigmallly]

Is that your dreadlocks, BM?

Cheeky.......

[veggiechicken]

The experiment is about to begin! A broad bean and a yoghurt pot thingy are about to become close friends. We'll see whether grooves are beneficial. Of course, its not a real comparison because I don't have a root trainer! Anyone out there want to plant a broad bean today?

[Bigmallly]

Anyone out there want to plant a broad bean today?

Go on then, throw us one over.....

[veggiechicken]

Ready? Catch.....

Here's one I prepared earlier!

[VirginVegGrower]

Forgive me vc but I thought the purpose of a rootrainer was to stop the roots from circling in the pot, hence the vertical grooves in rootraines which allow the roots to follow the grooves. I think that's the theory.

It is and I have them. Same with those air pots.

[VirginVegGrower]

Great idea and to follow up bigmally's comment. Isn't there a kids soft drink carton with vertical grooves? I'm sure I've seen it in't shops. Cheers, Tony.

You are thinking of the old Calypso cartons I think, which again are nothing like proper rootrainers.

[veggiechicken]

A question for the Root trainer owners, please. Are you sure that the purpose of the vertical grooves is to "train" roots to grow downwards? Surely a root would only circle and form a rootball if the pot were not deep enough or the plant was potbound.
Having examined the contents of my plastic recycling collection (must get a real hobby) I believe that the vertical grooves are there to add rigidity, stability and robustness to the pot. You find vertical grooves on triangular sandwich packets, fruit punnets, biscuit and chocolate trays and they will be on the sides that need the most protection to avoid damage to the contents.
So, I need proof that a seed with a deep root would not grow just as well in a deep, smooth sided container as in one with vertical grooves!

[Bigmallly]

There is a little bit of info here:

Haxnicks Rapid and Deep Rootrainers develop strong roots in young plants