Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,218 
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Post by Shawn on Oct 8, 2017 15:13:10 GMT -5
I know there is some debate out there (not necessarily here) about trimming roots. some say it can stunt, put into shock or even kill a pant.
I personally have trimmed roots on many of my projects with (thankfully) no ill effects. I have trimmed peppers plants, herbs and flowers if they get too wild and too massive.
I just trimmed the roots on my basil. The left side of my harvest was nothing but roots so I gave them a haircut. Plant is still happy and even looks like it is standing a tad taller.
Who else has trimmed roots and what is your experience?
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Post by drbanks on Oct 8, 2017 15:40:32 GMT -5
I have trimmed basil roots in the past with no ill effect.
More recently, I've accidentally "trimmed" roots while transplanting. And stuff usually survives that, too.
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MaryL
AGA Farmer
Posts: 3,532
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Post by MaryL on Oct 8, 2017 15:45:09 GMT -5
I've also had no trouble. I've trimmed herbs, tomatoes and peppers.
My eggplant, which I've never grown before, now has a huge root ball and, while I've seen worse, I am getting ready to trim a bit. I will approach it conservatively because I don't know yet if this particular type of plant will be sensitive.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2017 18:53:49 GMT -5
I think I tried it once, but found it did no harm. I am not a root trimmer, but perhaps I should on some of those projects which take over the bowl and pump. Hmm...I will have to give that some thought in the future  . Good question. Good Topic to consider.
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MaryL
AGA Farmer
Posts: 3,532
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Post by MaryL on Oct 13, 2017 16:45:48 GMT -5
I can say for sure my cucumber plant needed it. Not that I did try it - I had to terminate the plant before any trim. But darn, those roots were creepers. They enjoyed lining and sticking to the sides and roof of the bowl like crab grass.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,218
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Post by Shawn on Nov 30, 2017 6:30:26 GMT -5
Today I really need to go in and trim the roots on the Jalapeno plant again. These are getting out of hand. I can ot turn the plant because of the trunk in the cage. S
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MaryL
AGA Farmer
Posts: 3,532
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Post by MaryL on Nov 30, 2017 21:55:21 GMT -5
I agree that’s something additional to consider - the fact that at some point you can no longer turn your plants/pods because the roots have grown together with an adjacent plant. I need to pay more consistent attention to that. Before they intertwine.
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. Good question. Good Topic to consider.