CG>SP>  I'm thinking of starting some today. But Ack, you have to be prepared
CG>SP>  to transplant early tomatoes into progressively larger containers if
CG>Why can't one just set the seedlings in a large tub and make
CG>them feel at home right from the start?
  Have you ever done it, Christopher, attempting, perhaps, to mimic the
  room seedlings have growing wild? Bad idea! For one thing, seedlings
  rarely grow as just one, but as part of a colony, competing not only
  with siblings, but grasses, herbs, mosses, etc. Moreover, their roots
  are not limited to the top 3 or 4 inches of soil, but can grow deep to
  tap into the water distribution system of the soil. There is continual
  fertility from rain, dust, and decaying organic matter to nourish
  them.
  But a seedling in a large pot has life a lot harder. There is no
  underground water system. Water comes in huge lots all at once,
  sometimes too frequently. The soil, unable to drain it all off, goes
  sour. If the water also contains excess nitrates (usually added
  fertilizer), the plant growth is skewed with the imbalance, and the
  chemicals destroy the soil life, if it ever had any. Wet soil kills
  innocent seedlings and adult plants alike - overwatering is the
  commonest cause of dying houseplants. As the roots rot off, the leaves
  yellow, the owner pours on MORE! fertilizer, and the plant expires.
  Seedlings grow much better in pots that can be dry to the touch in a
  couple days. This means the root system is large enough to drain it
  properly, avoiding swampy conditions. (Unless you are raising swamp
  plants!) But seedlings that dry out and wilt in 24 hours tell you
  that they have used up their root room, and they need a bigger pot.
  Standard recommendations are to go up no more than 2 sizes at a time.
  From 1 inch to 2 inches, from 2 to 4 inches, from 4 to 7 inches. As
  the plants get bigger, the rule isn't as necessary. However, don't let
  seedlings wilt, either. Water them just before they do.  If you
  can't tell, hoist their pots. Light pots are dry, heavy pots the same
  size are wet. Usually.
  As for me, I try to keep outdoor seedlings happy with large rootballs,
  but I tend to dwarf indoors plants (especially rambunctious ones) by
  keeping them in smaller pots. Several 9 inch pots are very hard on
  windowsills! :-)
  So, no, bigger pots from the start are counter-productive.
                    ...Sandra...
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