![]() When these arrive, they’re small, compressed discs. Instead, they’re covered with a fine biodegradable mesh that helps give the pellet some form. These little pellets don’t actually use the wood pulp that standard peat pots or strips use. These are very useful when paired with high-quality potting soil. You may actually be able to use a peat-based pot consistently for a few months before it starts to warp and fall apart. ![]() It’s also an option for transplanting seedlings into, giving you more time before they’re planted into the soil. Made exactly as I described above, peat pots are usually larger and thicker containers that can hold a plant until it reaches a reasonably large size. You’ll need to transplant these out rather quickly before the peat layer starts to break down. However, as strips tend to be very lightweight, these only hold up long enough to start your plants. This causes less transplant stress, and the peat will eventually break down in the soil. You then simply plant the entire chamber, pot and all. However, you can use a razor blade, Exacto knife, or scissors to cut the chambers apart, and may even be able to pull them apart by hand. These pressed strips of peat form little chambers, much like a standard seedling tray. Let’s go over the differences and similarities between these now. ![]() There are a few different variations on these peat-based potting products. Should You Use Strips, Pots, Or Pellets?Ĭommercially-made pots, prepared for planting. However, the pot will eventually lose form, so it’s important to plant your seedlings quickly once they’re ready. Tightly compacted together, it will then be dried thoroughly, creating a biodegradable pot.ĭue to the addition of the wood pulp, these pots will hold their shape long enough that starting seeds shouldn’t be a problem. Pressing it compacts the moss and wood pulp into its intended shape and also squeezes out most of the excess liquid. ![]() Once the slurry is prepared, it will be pressed into forms. They will add some wood pulp to this mixture for rigidity and then blend it thoroughly together into a peat slurry. Both of these are also excellent choices and work functionally the same way as peat.Ĭommercially, manufacturers of these pots will take large quantities of their peat material and completely saturate it in water, causing it to turn into a thick muddy mixture. Since peat is slow to form naturally, some manufacturers have begun using recycled cow manure or coconut coir as an alternative to sphagnum peat. It basically becomes a fibrous material that works as a natural sponge. Slowly decaying in an anaerobic environment, it develops great moisture-retention capabilities. Sphagnum peat is the decomposed remnants of sphagnum moss. The roots are never disturbed, and your plant is stronger and more vigorous! How Are They Made?īefore a pot can be made, manufacturers need sphagnum peat moss. And, even better, there’s almost no chance of transplant shock when you put your plant into the soil later. They also add to your garden soil, helping to keep moisture around the roots of your plant. This makes them incredibly eco-friendly, as you don’t have to worry about plastic going into landfills. Made of natural materials, they eventually lose their form and simply become part of the soil around the plant. Simple put, they’re a type of biodegradable planting pot. A selection of peat strips, pots, and pellets.
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