As growers make progress in their journey to becoming more environmentally friendly, we take a look at some of the best biodegradable plant pots proving their worth.
To shift away from plastic bags and pots, a commercial grower requires a full-proof replacement, with pots that won’t cost the earth – literally and figuratively speaking!
We believe that growers industry-wide agree that stepping away from plastic pots is the ideal outcome, but any alternatives need to be financially viable, easy to handle and advantageous to overall plant health. As industry leaders, we will always continue in our quest for biodegradable pots in NZ and look to bring our customers a range of tried-and-true options.
The sales team have heavily researched compostable plant pots, looking at the pros and cons, and are excited to welcome Fertilpots to the fold.
One of the priorities when launching a wholesale biodegradable plant pot was to ensure the pots contained no binders, glue and chemical additives – all of which are not good for root development. Fertilpots are made from wood fibre and are 100% organic in their approach to propagation of seedlings.
In a “ready to plant” state, these biodegradable pots are kinder on the environment, but also eliminate messy (often single-use) plastic bags to remove from planting sites. Faster cultivation and less transport shock are additional reasons why growers are turning to Fertlipots.
Aside from their environmental merits, here are more good reasons for growers to choose Fertilpots.
- Plants grow faster!
A permeable environment makes it easier and faster for plants to grow a superior root system. Water and air infuse the pot, allowing quicker growth. When seedlings are propagated in a Fertilpot the roots infiltrate the pot walls and the contact with air makes it easier for the seedling to develop a new root, leading to a fibrous root system – when a seedling has a lot more root tips to take in water and nutrients it will grow better, faster and healthier. - Fully compostable!
Fertilpots are 100% biodegradable and designed to be planted directly into the ground (or large containers). There are no further steps required to ensure they are compostable e.g. no need to rip the bottom off the pot first. The pots have a clever timeframe of breaking down in the ground, while holding their form and strength during the growth cycle. The diagram below shows how they degrade after planting in the ground.
Time of planting: 1.5 months 4-5 months
Pot 100% Pot 35% (65% biodegraded) 100% biodegraded.
- Cost-effective
Growers tell us the biodegradable pots are using significantly less water in the nursery than with plastic pots, plus the root development is robust which creates a more enhanced plant. Using less pot sizes is also a generous labour saving when it comes to repotting, reducing potting mix and minimising valuable nursery space. Plus the cost of recycling plastic pots is eliminated.
- Strong at the right time
What Growers respect about Fertilpots is their strength in the growth cycle, yet ability to degrade very fast once planted into the ground or into their next pot. Fertilpots that are small and within greenhouse settings will hold their form for 4-5 months, with bigger Fertilpots as long as 1+ year (in outdoor nursery conditions). Their durability is really evident when trying to crush it with your hand – bouncing back and holding its form, the pot is genius at supporting plants in their growth stage, while retiring fast once in the ground.
- Automation-friendly
When used with the Fertilpot Trays, these compostable pots are designed to work with our recommended nursery machinery. Holding the Fertilpots, these trays allow maximum airflow and better root formation. Having air space between the tray wall and the Fertilpot promotes air pruning. - Good for the soil
When the pots transform into hummus, they are also creating a richer soil environment. - Faster plant-out
Forestry planting is a speed game. The faster the plant out, the quicker reforestation can occur – bringing its economic benefits to the fore. Removing plastic pots is laborious and can directly hinder profit. There is no shock from transplanting and the better root structure from growing in a Fertilpot gives the plant a better chance of survival.
We have very good stock levels of organic Fertilpots in four different sizes, ready to support your nursery business today!
For more info take a look here or contact sales@primehort.co.nz
