For me it's a space issue. I'm addicted to buying seeds and with hundreds of different varieties starting in the final pot would take up too much room. I've also had situations where if a plant is planted in too large a pot, all it does is develop foliage and roots and never flowers. I read that many plants will flower more when they feel stressed and need to re-produce to carry on.

I like to germinate in either flats or 6 packs for space reasons and moisture control. Water sometimes sits in larger containers and the container can get moldy or sour. Flats need transplanting before the roots get too intertwined.

Mold is less of an issue in soilless media, but then how does the older plant feed? You end of using lots of fetilizer in an attempt to mimic a healthy soil mix. And if you use organic matter, the constant moisture from germination can cause disease problems after a month in the same container.

I'm sure you've seen that there are many, many methods and I think the important thing is just to make a start and see what works for you and what doesn't.

ccaggiano: You're assuming that all of your seeds will germinate and develop healthy plants. For some plants, only a small percentage will germinate, so if you put each seed in a huge pot, then you've wasted all of that planting medium and space for nothing. Also, if you want to apply heat or control humidity, it's easier with a small container than a big one. Many people would consider the use of a big container for a tiny plant to be inefficient. Commercial nurseries certainly seem to think so. But, hey! If that's the system you think will work for you, try it. Let us know how it goes. Good luck!

I have entertained the idea of starting certain varieties in pots but what was stated before not all seeds will germinate so their is trade off. Either you waste money on soil and space or take time to transplant

Dear colleagues, hello! I ask to forgive me, that I write in this theme, but I very badly understand English language and it is difficult to me to open here other theme! Colleagues, the help is very necessary to me! On January, 20th I have made the order at Jim Archibald. Before making registration of the order I has written to it the letter, and it has answered, that will send me seeds to Russia without problems! I have issued the order and from my credit card have written off money. During this moment Jim has ceased to answer my letters and seeds has not sent!
At this moment Jim has ceased to answer and seeds has not sent! I have an acknowledgement of payment - an extract of the bank account. I know, that Jim reads my letters, to that I receive automatic acknowledgement of perusal of my letters on mail! But it ignores me. Please, advise, what to me to do? The sum of the order small, but for me is good money and very bad to feel deceived!

Jim Archibald - jjaseeds

A seed germination flat requires much less medium, and is less likely to become stagnant from over-watering. Those vigorous seedling roots will take up the volume pretty quickly. That's a GOOD thing. A planting medium must be able to provide oxygen just as much as water or seedling die. Those seed starting mixes are very fine textured, more so than the coarse, fast draining properties of a general potting mix.

And, as you've read, the germination flat can be heated very easily, which speeds the process considerably. The young transplants do not need that kind of special care.

When growing commercially, I could focus on a few seedling flats that would result in a completely filled greenhouse! Now, one flat will germinate the hundreds of annuals and perennials I grow for ourselves, friends, and neighbors.

MOSKVICHKA: perhaps they have not shipped your seeds, yet. Most credit card companies will allow you issue a complaint that will result in a refund, if you do not hear from the seed company.

But my common sense tells me to just start the seeds in a pot large enough to avoid all of the transplanting indoors. Yet the general consensus tells me otherwise. What am I missing???

In addition all the above good points, you are overlooking the benefits to the plant of all the stages of "indoor transplanting". Sure, it makes common sense to us to avoid all that work if possible but it doesn't make much sense to the plant. ;)

The purpose of the transplanting is root stimulation and the top growth that it will later generate, feed, and support. Each subsequent transplant stunts (stalls) the top growth for approx. 2 weeks and allows the roots to catch up. The end result is much stronger, healthier, happier plants.

Root development is 10-fold for the plant in a small or cell-type container vs. one trying to grow in an over-sized pot. Try a comparison for yourself and see the difference. ;)

Dave

Darn, and I read this post and thought that was a good idea. I am new to gardening and it would be very helpful to avoid the uncertainty of potting up. Ah well, at least I'm learning

Here is a link that might be useful: Sinfonian's gardening adventure... Check it out.

agree with all that others have said. I usually only have to transplant once and chose what size I go to when pricking out the seedlings. I don't know what you are planning on planting, but there's also some seeds that are so microscopic, that you basically place a dusting on the little seedling tray and you cannot even avoid transplanting, as you will have loads of little seedlings growing in the containers, no matter what pot you are using. This is the case for example with filler plants, such as Lobelia and Sweet Alyssum, Foxglove and Petunia's, who's seed aren't pelleted. Covering the seeds you plant is vital to get a good moisture containment and germination rate, so usually seed starting pots in a covered container is the way to go because of that issue as well. Good luck with your planting. :-) Carola

In addition to what others have stated, if you have a limited number of lights large containers take up too much space so you cannot fit as many plants under the light.

Well, I think it all depends on your situation. The needs of a commercial operation are quite different from someone who is just growing a few plants for a home garden.

For me, it's just simpler to plant in a larger pot and avoid transplanting. I use plastic drink cups which don't take up a lot of room and I plant into a potting mix that has a modest amount of fertilizer in it. Well, except for tomatoes...those I do pot up since there does seem to be a benefit from burying their stem a bit.

I use roughly the same amount of seed that I would in a flat, since you always need to plant extra in either case. And I know it's not "sterile" but I haven't had problems yet. The plants grow fast and strong and it's much simpler. Again, in a commercial operation, doing this would be much riskier.

I'd be interested in any studies that show better results as far as root development and such.