Biodefense (or simply biodegradable pots) is an organic plant-based solution that will degrade naturally into harmless biodegradable substances when it’s not properly monitored. Biodegradable means it can be broken down without being destroyed by abrasion caused by soil compaction or water. So, it’d be beneficial for a container garden to have a biodegradable plant pot which fully decomposes within one year’s time, thereby allowing the gardener to easily transfer the decomposing pot, the growing media, and the growing medium back to the garden. Let me explain.
Biodegradable plants pots are made from either biodegradable plastic pellets or biodegradable plant pots made of a composite of fibers. Both types can be broken down easily by abrasion or root disturbance without destroying the plant pot. The root disturbance, especially when introducing bigger plastic pots, can destroy the whole root structure of your perennial vegetables, resulting in stunted plants, if the root structure is not strong enough to withstand the weight.
A biodegradable plant pot with a biodegradable potting medium is basically a plastic pot covered in fibres. The fibres are extremely tough and can withstand abrasion without tearing or ripping, whereas clay or terracotta can’t. But coir cannot! So, the fibres that make up biodegradable plant pots are perfect for container gardening.
Biodegradable potting mediums come in many varieties, some suitable for one growing season, others suitable for several years. Potting mixes with slow release nutrients help to prolong the life of your seedlings through pest and fungal attacks. During the winter season, freeze-drying can help to kill off some of the undesirable pests that invade your garden. Fungi, which love warm, moist places, love growing in seedling trays that have been left out in the cold weather. All you need to do is to make sure that you place any seedlings or transplants in an area that is well ventilated, but is away from direct sunlight.
Many of the “green” friendly consumer products such as biodegradable plant pots and other green products are made from recycled plastics. Some manufacturers go to the extent of using pvc or polyvinyl chloride as an in-between polymer and pvc coatings to form a solid shell for the inside of the container. As this is much more expensive than plain polyvinyl chloride, biodegradable plant pots are generally made from low density plastic that is shredded into a fine grade of plastic fiber. The resulting product is then washed several times, dried, and then powder coated for further durability. Because of the pore-penetrable nature of the plastic fibers, the plants are kept safe from any penetration of soil, fungi, bacteria or other pests. The result is that the product is virtually impenetrable and will not allow water to get past its protective surface.
When buying a biodegradable plant pot, you will notice that there are two primary colors to choose from. Greenhouses will generally be available in a full spectrum of colors, so it is possible to find a pot to match the decor of your greenhouse. However, if you are looking for a very specific color or variety of flower you may have to look at the specialty stores or online. It is best to start with a small pot when you first begin growing seedlings, since they can be quite expensive.
The main difference between paper pots and biodegradable pots is that paper pots do not contain trays or layers of dirt. They contain either paper or cardboard tubes that serve to support the plant’s roots system. Greenhouse growers are all too familiar with how frustrating it can be to keep an established plant healthy by adding additional clay soil just to make it grow. With a biodegradable pot the roots are supported throughout the season by layers of paper or cardboard tubes, removing any need for extra soil.
There are a number of different kinds of biodegradable plant pots, each suited for certain growing situations. A good tip is to get a pot that has a larger opening than what is needed to support the plant. For instance, if you are planning to grow a plant in a small pot you should look at getting a pot with a wider opening so that you can safely remove the plant from the bottom of the pot without creating a hole in the pot. If you want your biodegradable pots to last longer than a year, it is best to buy them already made so that they do not require any extra maintenance. If you do purchase pre-made pots be sure that you add some good compost to the bottom of the pot so that the plant gets the nutrients it needs to grow.