Biodegradable pots simplify transplanting by eliminating the need to remove a container, which minimizes root shock. The pot, made from natural fibers, is planted directly into the soil where it breaks down over time. While these containers can be planted, achieving a successful transition for the seedling requires careful preparation to ensure the pot does not hinder growth. Proper technique prevents common pitfalls like moisture loss and restricted root development.
Common Materials Used in Biodegradable Pots
Biodegradable pots are manufactured from various organic materials, each offering a distinct balance of durability, water retention, and decomposition speed. Peat pots, made from compressed sphagnum moss, are a traditional option, though their use is debated due to the non-renewable nature of peat harvesting. Coir pots, derived from coconut husks, are a popular alternative because they are a byproduct of the coconut industry and offer superior structural integrity and moisture retention compared to peat.
Pots made from wood pulp or recycled paper often decompose the fastest, sometimes within a few weeks, but they can also lose their shape and structural integrity quickly when kept wet. Another category includes molded fiber pots, which use agricultural byproducts like rice hulls or even composted cow manure. Manure-based pots have the added benefit of slowly releasing nutrients into the surrounding soil as they disintegrate. The choice of material affects how much preparation is needed before planting, with thicker or denser compositions requiring more attention to ensure root penetration.
Essential Steps for Successful Planting
Before placing the biodegradable container into the garden soil, physical modifications must be made to encourage healthy root growth and prevent drying. The first step involves tearing away or cutting off the entire top rim of the pot. If left intact, this dry upper edge causes moisture wicking, drawing water away from the soil inside the pot. Removing the rim ensures the remaining pot material is completely surrounded by moist soil, promoting rapid decomposition.
Next, the sides and bottom of the pot should be scored, torn, or gently broken open in several places. This action creates physical exit points for the plant’s roots, ensuring they can easily extend into the surrounding garden soil. Without these breaches, roots may hesitate to penetrate the compressed fiber walls, especially in pots made from thicker materials. This mechanical disruption is a simple method to counteract potential root restriction.
The final step is to thoroughly soak the entire pot, including the soil and the container material, just before transplanting. A completely saturated pot will not pull moisture from the surrounding garden soil after planting. The pot should then be planted so the entire structure, including the modified rim, is positioned below the soil line. This maximizes the chance of the pot softening and beginning its decomposition process immediately.
Potential Issues and Preventing Root Stunting
One common reason a plant fails to thrive is the moisture wicking effect. The dry fiber material acts like a sponge, pulling water upwards through capillary action and evaporating it from the exposed rim. This constant moisture depletion rapidly dries out the small volume of soil within the pot, stressing the young plant’s root system even if the surrounding garden soil is adequately moist.
If preparation steps are ignored, the plant’s roots may experience root binding or girdling, which severely restricts growth. This occurs when roots reach the pot wall but fail to penetrate the material, causing them to circle the inside perimeter. When roots are restricted, the plant’s shoot growth is signaled to slow down, resulting in a stunted plant. Scoring the sides and ensuring the pot is fully saturated helps the roots break through the softened wall and grow outward into the native soil.
The rate at which the pot breaks down is also influenced by environmental conditions, which can exacerbate root issues. In dry soil or cooler temperatures, microbial activity slows down, and the pot material remains structurally intact for a longer period. If the pot does not decompose quickly enough, the roots remain confined, and the plant cannot access the nutrient and water resources of the garden bed. Ensuring consistent moisture and warmer soil temperatures after planting is important to encourage the microbial action necessary for rapid decomposition.