Biodegradable pots offer an approach to starting young plants, as they can be directly transferred into the garden. These pots are designed to break down naturally in the soil over time. Their primary advantage is minimizing transplant shock, as seedling root systems remain undisturbed during the transition from indoor starting to outdoor planting. This method also reduces plastic waste, providing an environmentally friendly option for gardeners.
Common Materials Used for Biodegradable Pots
Biodegradable pots are crafted from various organic materials, each with distinct properties influencing their performance and decomposition rate.
Peat pots, a widely recognized type, are made from compressed sphagnum peat moss. While readily available, they can become rigid when dry and may draw moisture away from the plant’s root zone if not fully buried.
Coir pots, derived from the fibrous husks of coconuts, offer a sustainable alternative. This material provides excellent water retention and aeration, fostering robust root development. Coir pots break down efficiently in garden soil, releasing nutrients as they decompose.
Cow manure pots, composed of composted bovine waste, enrich the surrounding soil with beneficial nutrients as they decompose, providing a nutrient boost for developing seedlings.
Paper or wood pulp pots, often made from recycled materials, decompose relatively quickly once planted. If overwatered before transplanting, they can become overly soggy or develop minor surface mold, though this poses no significant threat to the plant’s health. Understanding these material differences helps gardeners select the most suitable pot for their specific planting needs.
Planting with Biodegradable Pots
Proper planting techniques ensure the success of seedlings started in biodegradable pots. Before placing the pot into its final location, thoroughly saturate the entire pot with water. This softens the pot material, making it easier for roots to penetrate and promoting quicker decomposition once buried. A well-hydrated pot also prevents it from wicking moisture away from the surrounding garden soil after transplanting.
Gently tearing or scoring the bottom and sides of the pot before planting provides escape routes for the plant’s roots. This helps prevent root constriction, allowing the plant to establish itself more effectively as the pot breaks down. This step is beneficial for species with vigorous root growth.
Break off any portion of the pot’s rim that would extend above the soil line after planting. An exposed rim can act like a wick, drawing moisture from the soil and away from the plant’s root system, leading to dehydration. The entire biodegradable pot must be completely buried beneath the soil surface. This ensures the pot remains consistently moist, which is necessary for microbial activity that facilitates its breakdown, allowing roots to expand unhindered into the garden environment.
Managing Pot Decomposition and Plant Health
After planting, gardeners may observe conditions related to pot decomposition. In dry or compacted soils, some pot materials like peat decompose more slowly than expected. This slower breakdown can impede root expansion. Ensuring the soil around the planted pot remains consistently moist encourages the microbial activity necessary for efficient decomposition, allowing roots to grow freely into the garden soil.
A harmless surface mold or white fungal growth can appear on biodegradable pots, especially if seedlings are maintained in humid indoor environments. This growth is saprophytic, feeding on the organic components of the pot, and does not harm the plant. Improving air circulation around seedlings before transplanting can help minimize this cosmetic mold. The mold dissipates naturally once the pot is planted outdoors and exposed to open air and soil microbes.