Wow! sounds like you've got it all figured out! The 5 gal. bucket will probably perform better than the 2 1/2 gal. size. The larger size should provide for root growth substantial enough to form the foundation for a large, healthy plant. The additional volume of soil will act as a nice buffer in terms of nutes and watering. The standard 5 gal. bucket is only 14" tall to begin with so I should be O.K. Thanks for sharing the details about your pots!
Yes. I am waiting for step-daughter to finish up school in the spring semester. Then she will be moving out. Then her room will be vacant and I can move my tent in....say six months or so. I know that is a long time but, since I am starting from scratch, I am going to need a long lead time to make sure all my plans are perfect. I also have fibromyalgia and at times it takes me a great deal of time to get anything done. Not my fault. I also have to make up some of my equipment such as the light fixture. I can use the time for research and I am patient. But I do wish I could start today! I hope you are not too disappointed that I'm not going to start my grow journal any time soon. But I will have one
Well, truthfully I was looking forward to it a bit sooner..but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do...Hopefully I will catch your grow when it begins...good night to you.