Eco-friendly products have been in demand in many industries. They have been very popular in the agricultural field.
That is why plastic-free plant pots have been in huge demand. Gardeners are looking for ways to avoid using plastic in their gardens.
Among the materials in demand to make pots is bamboo. But the pots made of bamboo are very expensive. Gardeners who do it on a large scale find it hard to rely on bamboo. That is why paper has become an alternative for making pots.
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Making paper pots is the new trend among gardeners. It is an easy and more convenient way of making pots. It saves money and is easily biodegradable. They are considered temporal pots that hold plants to be transplanted later.
The entire process has to start with interest from the gardener. It also has to be with the availability of papers. Gardeners can use already available pot-making kits to make work easier. But containers from home use can also serve the purpose.
A step-by-step guide to making paper plant pots
There are some simple steps that one can follow to make paper pots. They include:
- Roll your paper
- Flatten the bottom
- Fill the pots
- Wrap with plastic
Step 1: Roll your paper
The first step in making a pot is to find a paper to roll. The paper is sized up to the individual’s liking. Rolling the paper can use a can or a jar. Then the paper is moistened to roll easily. It is recommended to extend the paper to make the bottom part.
Step 2: Flatten the bottom
The bottom of the jar should be flattened to make the bottom part of the pot. Crimping the paper should be done on the flattened bottom. Glue can be used to stick the bottom part of the paper. This makes it firm and shapes it properly.
Step 3: Fill the pots
The next step is to slip the paper pot slowly from the jar. Then the paper pot should be placed to dry. The paper pot should stay in a cool, dry place. This prevents any damage to the pot if drying is quickened.
It is important to use a pot when filling the paper pot. Standing it on a strong pan is advisable before filling.
Step 4: Wrap with plastic
The next step is to fill the paper pot. Seed-starting potting mix should be ready for filling. Room-temperature water can then be sprinkled on the fillings to make them moist.
It is recommended that you cover the pot with warps. The best wrapping is to use plastics to retain moisture. This is done until the seeds start to sprout. It is time to remove the plastic wrap to allow for seed germination.
Facts you should know about the paper plant pots
It is important to know that the size of a jar determines the size of a paper pot. This means that the decision has to start with the choice of the jar. Using duct tape to cover the jar on the sharp edges is advisable.
It is important to know that paper plants are most suitable for plants that need transplanting. The paper is biodegradable and rots in a short period. You cannot bank on paper pots to host permanent plants as compared to growing in bags.
Paper plants are more suitable for nurseries. A gardener can use them to plant seeds for giveaways. It is a good initiative to encourage the community to grow plants. It is also a good way of overcoming the cost challenge in gardening.
Are paper pots good for plants?
Paper pots are considered eco-friendly. They are, therefore, good for the environment. They are also preferred because they save money.
The big question is whether they are good for plants. What effect do they have on the plants across the stages of development?
Paper pots are ideal for almost all plants. They are better for plants that will be transplanted later. They help to keep the soil structure together. They can be easily removed without damaging the roots.
Some gardeners also transfer the pot with the plant without removing it. This is because the paper is biodegradable. It eventually wears out as the roots grow. It does not resist water absorption. It helps retain moisture.
Most of the papers used for paper pots are biodegradable. They do not need holes for drainage. But drainage holes can be used for hard papers. The best quality paper to avoid all the holing is newspapers.
Do roots grow through paper pots?
Roots are different in the way they grow from one plant to another. Some roots spread wide. Some roots grow deep. These are some of the factors to consider when using a paper pot.
Paper pots are ideal for any plant. But they should be monitored to ensure they do not inhibit the root growth. Some plant roots are strong. They can grow through paper pots. This is especially the pots made of biodegradable materials.
But there are paper pots that have thick papers. It is necessary to remove such papers when transplanting. This can be cut by pulling the paper gently.
It can also be done by cutting or shredding the paper. A gardener should always be on the lookout. This is to ensure that the plant roots are freed.
How long do paper plant pots last?
The life of a paper pot depends on several factors. This includes the type of paper. Pots with biodegradable papers do not last long.
They are estimated to have a 4-6 weeks lifetime. After this period, they break down. These are better pots for planting seeds unlike using grow bags to grow plants.
Using stronger paper materials is necessary for plants that take longer to grow. The materials can also be fasted with adhesive or duct tape. But these stiffeners should be removed when moving the plant.
The pot size should also determine the type of paper. Larger pots can last longer because they are made of stiffer paper materials. The placement of pots also matters. Well-placed pots are not easily destroyed and can last longer.
Watering frequency plays a major role in determining how long they last. Biodegradable materials do not last long when watered regularly.
Exposure to other factors, including the sun and the wind, can matter. The frequency of moving the paper pot also determines its lifetime. The paper pots last only a short time when moved often.
Do newspaper plant pots work?
Newspaper plant pots have been proven to work for many gardeners. They may be made of paper, but they serve their purpose. But there may be a challenge when using them for bigger plants.
These plants may need to be well contained in the pots. The roots break down the paper pots easily.
It is important to fasten the newspaper pots with glue or duct tape. This makes the newspaper firm and reduces damage. Newspaper pots are also best placed in cool, dry places. The idea is to avoid moisture that causes tearing.
Advantages of paper pots
Paper pots have several advantages compared to plastic or wooden pots. One of the advantages is the ease of making. The paper pots can easily be made from home. The easy availability of materials creates convenience.
Paper pots are also easy to transplant. The gardeners do not mind any pollution of the environment. They are confident in the biodegrading of paper. This is why paper pots are preferred for better initial establishment of plants.
Disadvantages of paper pots
But with the many advantages also come disadvantages. Some paper qualities act as barriers to water and air. Lack of proper soil aeration limits the plant growth. It can shock the plant and lead to death.
Paper pots are also not good for plants with big roots. They can restrict root growth. The solution to this is using degradable materials. That the roots can pass through as they grow.
Paper plants are also not good for permanency. They are only limited to plants that will be transplanted.
Structuring and creating the paper pots is difficult. This cannot be compared to already available grow bags or plastic pots. They need a lot of time and materials to complete. Sometimes they can be disappointing. Especially if the paper tears before completion.
Overall, paper pots are very common among gardeners. They are considered the easiest and most cost-effective pots to make. Gardeners must look for more information on how to perfect making paper pots.