These peat pot alternatives are a no-peat, no-plastic option made of cow manure that packs a one-two punch for farmers, nurseries, and greenhouses looking to run a sustainable operation and save time doing it. There’s no need to worry about transplant shock because these biodegradable nursery pots decompose in about 12 weeks, letting roots grow right into the soil. You don't have to budget time for replanting. As the cow manure pots degrade, they fertilize the soil, encouraging strong root development. The only thing left after a growing season is healthy plants—no plastic. The 4-inch Tall Round CowPot is the optimal choice for vegetables that need more time in the greenhouse before transplanting to the field. The dimensions of this tall round CowPot are a close match to the standard 4” pot size used for perennials and herbs but offer more soil volume. The tapered round sides improve airflow between pots. Contact us today for a wholesale quote of these alternatives to peat pots.
How To Grow in Peat Pot Alternatives
Here are a few hints and growing suggestions to get the most out of your CowPots as Peat Pot Alternatives and be on your way to a sustainable growing operation.
- Sow or Transplant Seeds directly into the Biodegradable Pots
- Water (top or bottom watered) and fertilize your seeds and plants as you would in any other plant pot
- Manure naturally retains moisture, so less watering will be possible. You will want to give the pot time to harden between watering. (dark brown color when the pot is wet; light brown color time to water)
- Pot performance and plant health improve with a little space left between pots for maximum air circulation
- 4” Square Biodegradable Pots are fragile while wet, so handle when the pot is dry
- Plant the Peat Pot Alternatives directly into the soil when seedlings are ready for planting. Cover the entire pot with soil and then water
Peat Pot Alternatives last for months above ground, but once you have transplanted the entire pot into the soil, the manure begins to quickly degrade. The Pots are 100% biodegradable.
Decomposition of Peat Pot Alternatives
Break down will begin within weeks of transplanting into the soil. As long as they are completely buried when planted, they should almost be completely decomposed by the end of the growing season. Factors that affect the rate of decomposition include moisture and bioactivity in your soil. Sandy soils and soils with few microorganisms typically display slower rates of decomposition. But not to worry. Roots will still grow through the biodegradable pot walls even if not completely decomposed. If you would like to enrich your soils to improve plant growth as well as increase the rate of decomposition, try applying our microbial root stimulant solution.
CowPot Container Choices
We carry a full line of Peat Pot Alternatives in different shapes and sizes (always available to discuss custom size requirements and prototyping) including:
3” Square Biodegradable CowPots – 12 cu in volume
3” Round Biodegradable Plant Pots – 16 cu in volume
4” Square Wholesale Biodegradable Pots – ½ quart volume
4” Round Tall Peat Pot Alternatives – 5/6 quart volume
4” Square Tall Zero Plant Waste Pots – ¾ quart volume
5” Square Cow Dung Pots – 1/3 gallon volume
5" Round Cow Poop Pots - 1/4 gallon volume
6” Square Manure Pots – ½ gallon volume
6” Round Wholesale Bulk CowPots – 1/3 gallon volume
7” Square Bulk Biodegradable Pots – ¾ gallon volume
12” Square Large Biodegradable Pots – 2.2 gallon volume
How long will the alternatives to peat pots last? CowPots™ are formed to last up to 3 months above ground in greenhouse growing conditions. Once planted, they will begin to break down completely in the soil.
Do I need to prep the CowPots™ before transplanting into the soil? No.
Do the Cow Pots smell? Nope.
Is special soil or grow media required? No. Just fill your peat pot alternatives with good quality, sterile potting soil for seed starting.
How do I handle the Zero Waste Plant Pots? Recently watered Cow Pots (noted by their dark brown color) will easily tear if you lift by the 'lip'. Using a tray makes it much easier to move wet CowPots. When dry (light brown color) the alternative to peat pots are sturdy.
Is fertilizer needed? Yes. CowPots do not take the place of fertilizers. Follow your normal feeding protocol.
