Soil / Pots

The biodegradable pot is a very practical solution, especially for seedlings and young plants. Its main advantage is that it allows for direct transplantation into the ground or a larger pot, without disturbing the plant's root system. I use it by filling the pot with potting soil, sowing my seeds, or placing my cuttings in it. Once the plant is sufficiently developed, I transplant it with its pot directly into the soil or a larger container. This is a method I highly recommend to minimize plant stress during repotting.

No, that's precisely the whole point of the biodegradable pot! You should definitely not remove it before planting. The idea is to put it directly into the ground with the plant. The pot will naturally decompose in the soil, allowing the roots to develop unhindered. It's a time-saver and an excellent way to preserve the integrity of your young shoots' root system. You can find our 24 biodegradable pots - 6cm for your seedlings.

The main difference, as its name suggests, lies in decomposition. A biodegradable pot is designed to naturally disintegrate in the soil, even enriching the substrate, while a plastic pot remains intact for hundreds of years, generating waste. In practice, the biodegradable pot is ideal for the starting and transplanting phase, as it avoids transplant shock. The plastic pot, on the other hand, is reusable and more robust for long-term crops. If I had to choose for seedlings, I would undoubtedly lean towards biodegradable.

Yes, absolutely! That's one of their major assets. Biodegradable pots are generally made from natural materials like peat, coir, cellulose, or cardboard, which makes them entirely compostable. They decompose into organic elements that reintegrate into the soil, leaving no harmful residues. I consider this a very ecological choice for any gardener concerned about their environmental impact, especially compared to traditional plastic pots.

The decomposition time of a biodegradable pot varies depending on several factors: the material it's made from (peat, coir, cardboard), soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity. Generally, I find that it takes between a few weeks and a few months for complete decomposition once the pot is placed in the ground. The important thing is that the pot softens and allows the roots to grow through it quickly, which happens well before its total decomposition.

The advantages for plant growth are numerous. The most important, in my opinion, is the drastic reduction of transplant stress. By planting the pot directly, we avoid damaging young roots, which allows the plant to resume its growth more quickly and healthily. Furthermore, the pot decomposes, providing organic matter to the soil, which can even help enrich it. I find this to be a very beneficial solution for delicate young shoots and seedlings.

The most common mistake I see is leaving the biodegradable pot exposed to the air for too long or not burying it completely during transplantation. If the top edge of the pot protrudes from the soil, it can act like a wick, quickly drying out the potting soil inside and depriving the plant of water. It is crucial to bury it properly so that it can absorb moisture from the soil and begin its decomposition correctly. Also, make sure you have good suitable potting soil for your seedlings.