Different Types of Seedling Pots

Six weeks before the last expected frost date is when gardeners start their plants indoors. They have received their seed orders, and purchased seed starting soil and seedling pots or kits. Before modern-day seedling pots, gardeners would use a variety of containers to start seedlings such as egg cartons or wooden trays. Some gardeners still use the old tried and true containers; however, they now have a wide variety of ready-made seedling pots they can purchase for growing their plants.

Round or Square Fiber Pots

A favorite of mine, fiber pots are made of peat and wood fibers, which makes them an excellent biodegradable way to start seeds. I especially like fiber pots because they are strong, holding up well to repeated watering, they are easy to tear apart when planting seedlings in the garden, and because they tear easily, they cause little if any damage to the tender seedlings. They come in multiple sizes, being able to hold one or many seedlings at a time.

Plastic Cell Packs

Cell packs are made from soft plastic that can be washed and reused year after year. They most often hold four or six cells per unit, but I have seen some as large as 72 cells per unit. They have holes in the bottom to provide amply drainage. The only downside I have found when using these is that it is sometimes hard to remove the seedlings without damaging them. It is also hard to clean them thoroughly for the next year. Some cell packs are made from fiber, and are used and work in the same way as fiber pots.

Cardboard or Plastic Flats

Cardboard or plastic flats do not contain cells and are a favorite with professional and some home gardeners. Flats with no cells, provide the plant roots with nonrestrictive growth. They are easy to use, and are excellent for propagating root or leaf cuttings as they permit easy bottom watering. They also come in a variety of sizes.

Paper Pots

Paper pots are a great way to recycle old newspapers and an excellent way to cut down on the use of plastic. Gardeners can purchase a paper pot press from a gardening website or store, make their own paper pots by using a large cup or bowl as a mold, or buy already made paper pots. Paper pots are not as strong as fiber or plastic; however, they can save the gardener money and help protect the environment.

Cow Manure Pots (CowPots)

Invented by Connecticut dairy farmer Matt Freund, cow manure pots are the latest thing for growing seedlings. Made from 100 percent cow manure, the pots are durable, lasting up to 16 weeks before planting. The seedlings are not limited to the pots space as the roots can easily penetrate the bottoms and sides. They are a better biodegradable pot than fiber pots, breaking down within three to four weeks after being put into the ground, a fact that I have found to be true. Although they are made from cow manure, they are completely odor free.

Sources: Personal Experience, Burpee, CowPots