As gardeners, we want to nurture our plants while also being mindful of sustainability. Large plastic pots are common in gardening, but they pose environmental risks as they accumulate in landfills An excellent solution is to use large biodegradable pots for plants These environmentally-friendly pots allow ample room for root systems to develop, and they can be directly planted into soil where they decompose naturally.
What are Large Biodegradable Pots?
Biodegradable pots are containers made of natural materials that break down over time without leaving toxic residues. Large sizes, from 1 gallon upwards give sufficient space for roots to grow unrestricted before transplanting seedlings into the ground.
Popular materials for biodegradable pots include
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Coconut coir – Made from coconut husks, this fibrous material molds into pots that allow roots to penetrate.
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Cow manure – This innovative pot contains cow manure for nutrients, mixed with materials like recycled paper.
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Peat – Peat pots of all sizes have been used for years, though peat mining raises environmental concerns.
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Bamboo – Pots constructed of bamboo pulp mixed with organic materials are sturdy yet biodegradable.
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Paper/cardboard – DIY pots can be made by rolling newspaper sheets or cutting up cardboard boxes.
Benefits of Using Large Biodegradable Pots
Switching to large biodegradable plant pots offers many advantages:
1. Sustainable Materials
Biodegradable pots are created from renewable materials like plant fibers, animal waste, and recycled paper. This reduces reliance on plastic from fossil fuels.
2. Less Transplant Shock
Roots growing through porous biodegradable materials experience minimal disturbance when planted directly into the ground in their pots. This lessens transplant shock.
3. Added Nutrients
Organic matter in certain biodegradable pots, like cow manure, provides nutrients that are slowly released as the pots decompose around plant roots.
4. Air Pruning for Healthy Roots
As roots reach the edges, they are “air pruned” which encourages branching and a healthy, robust root ball. This is an advantage over smooth plastic.
5. Reduced Landfill Waste
Choosing biodegradable over plastic pots minimizes non-biodegradable material going into landfills and their potential to pollute soil and waterways.
Sizing Biodegradable Pots for Seedlings and Plants
It’s important to select the right pot size for the type of plant:
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Small pots around 4 inches work well for starting seeds and cuttings.
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For seedlings or young plants, upgrade to 1-2 gallon pots after the first true leaves emerge.
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Vegetables, shrubs, trees, and other large plants thrive when grown initially in 3-5 gallon biodegradable pots.
Under-sizing pots can restrict root growth while over-sizing may retain excessive moisture. Consider the plant’s expected mature size when choosing a pot size.
Tips for Using Large Biodegradable Plant Pots Successfully
Follow these tips to get the most out of biodegradable pots:
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Select sturdier biodegradable pots like those made from coconut coir for large, heavy plants.
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Monitor soil moisture closely as biodegradable pots dry out faster than plastic.
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Set pots in trays for stability since most biodegradable materials soften when wet.
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Cover exposed surfaces of biodegradable pots to retain moisture.
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Transplant seedlings grown in small biodegradable pots to larger sizes as they develop.
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Amend native soil with compost when planting in the ground to aid decomposition of pot materials.
Discover Sustainable Gardening Solutions
As caretakers of the earth, gardeners should be conscious of our impact on the planet for future generations. Large biodegradable pots for plants offer an eco-friendly alternative to standard plastic containers. Support sustainable gardening practices by exploring using these innovative plant pots crafted from natural materials. The benefits range from healthier plants to reducing waste–choices that make a real difference.
Benefits of growing in large biodegradable pots
Any plants that are especially prone to transplant shock benefit from growing in a CowPot. The best thing about CowPots is that the roots grow through the pot walls, so when it’s time to move the plants, the whole pot goes into the ground. No ripping. No tearing. No crushing. This pot eliminates the concern of transplant shock, whether you’re growing dahlias or milkweed. Our bigger CowPots are thicker than our smaller, more popular seed-starting pots, so they can stay in a greenhouse for up to 16 weeks. Shelf life can be extended with controlled watering.
The #5 square is a great step up for tomato plants, the #6 square is popular for dahlia tubers and the #6 round has been a favorite for growing cannabis. The #7 square is our closest to a gallon size container and works well for layered bulbs, canna lilies and a variety of shrubs. The #12 Square and #17 Round make great biodegradable container options for combination planters.
Growing in Large Biodegradable Pots
- Put enough moist potting soil in the pot so that the top of the pot is level with the soil.
- If you want to plant seeds directly in the big biodegradable pot, follow the directions on the seed packet.
- You can put the whole small CowPot into the larger biodegradable pot without having to tear it off. This is useful for moving established seedlings or plants that have outgrown their pot and need more room to grow.
- Water as needed. You don’t need to water again if the pot is dark brown or feels damp to the touch. Wait until the pot walls are dry and hardened. Overwatering will cause the pot to prematurely break down.
When it’s time to move the plant to the ground or a bigger patio pot, make sure that the soil covers the whole pot and that the top edge is below the soil line. Any exposed pot will not break down as quickly and can wick away water.
Biodegradable Planters And Why I Don’t Plant Them In The Ground!
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of biodegradable pots?
Are biodegradable pots good for plants?
How long do biodegradable pots take to decompose?
Can roots grow through biodegradable pots?
Are there biodegradable pots?
Just from the pots on this list, you can see there are a lot of biodegradable options ranging from cow manure to coconut fiber. When you come across biodegradable pots, look at the materials they are made from to ensure good drainage for your plants and seedlings.
Are biodegradable pots a good starter home?
Our biodegradable plant pots make excellent starter homes for a wide range of annuals and perennials, including native plants and others that dislike root disturbance. 100% organic, OMRI Listed® biodegradable pots. 100% organic, OMRI Listed® biodegradable pots. 100% organic, OMRI Listed® biodegradable pots.
Are biodegradable pots good for seed germination?
One of the remarkable features of biodegradable pots is their compatibility with seed germination. Gardeners can opt for expanding Jiffy Peat or Coconut Fiber Pellets, which provide an ideal environment for seeds to sprout and develop. These pellets offer young plants a controlled and nourishing environment, ensuring successful seed germination.
Are enviroarc pots biodegradable?
EnviroArc is a biodegradable pot from Australia. It is made from bamboo pulp, rice hulls, wheat straw, and cornstalks – all organically grown on their own farms. These pots last 18 to 24 months but will break down in less than 6 months when composted. They offer a wide range of sizes and colors. 7. Western Pulp
Are peat pots biodegradable?
Peat pots are one of the most popular biodegradable options for seed starting. They are made from paper and peat moss, which will break down over time. Since many plants don’t like it when their roots are disturbed, this is the perfect way to go from an indoor or controlled environment to their next home in the garden.
Are fertilizer pots biodegradable?
Fertilpots are made from a mixture of 80% spruce fibers and 20% peat. They are biodegradable but don’t contain any glue or binders and are certified organic. Plant roots can penetrate the sides of the pot so they can be planted pot and all. They are made in France, so they do have to travel to get to a US distributor in PA.