The invention includes an improved container and method for growing a plant to be subsequently transplanted. In one embodiment, an upwardly extending container wall is adapted for retaining soil. A plurality gutters are disposed on an interior portion of the container wall. The gutters extend along the container wall to one or more openings, thereby guiding roots to the openings for air pruning the roots. A root guiding surface of the gutter may extend downwardly and outwardly to the container wall, to form a substantially v-shaped gutter. Alternatively, an upwardly extending lip may be disposed on an inner portion of the root guiding surface, forming a substantially u-shaped gutter between the lip, ledge, and the interior portion of the container wall. The gutters may also slope downward in a direction along the container wall to better accommodate the geotropic nature of plant roots. An upwardly extending finger may also be disposed on the container wall above each gutter, to guide roots to the nearest opening.