Fungus and sometimes mold
The less glamorous, but essential aspect of being a CowPot.
some tips for growing success
We take great pride in the natural ingredients we use to make CowPots. For centuries gardeners, farmers and growers have discovered the value of using cow manure as a soil amendment. At CowPots, we’ve just helped by innovating a new and unique way to get that manure into the garden. So we remind all of our gardening enthusiasts, CowPots may not look like manure nor smell like manure, but they are manure, and thus decompose, biodegrade and add value to your garden just like manure does.
For our friends that have visited cow pastures after a herd of grazing cattle, it is not uncommon to discover mushrooms growing from the cow patties left behind. This natural cycle of decomposition is also apt to happen on CowPots, just as it does out in the pasture.
non-harmful mold and fungus may grow on cowpots wall. it will disappear when the pot is permitted to dry up.
If you have fungus or mold on your CowPots…
Don't worry, it's not harmful
We have completed countless experiments and tests on the molds and mushrooms found growing on CowPots. None have ever tested harmful. The growth of mushrooms is natural and is proof that CowPots are a great growing medium.
University tested
In fact, CowPots had the best rate of decomposition of all the biocontainers in this university trial.
Our personal experience
We've been growing our farm market vegetables, herbs and cut flowers in CowPots for 15 years. We've gained some first hand experience on how to best manage the growing conditions.
Below are our top 3 growing tips relating to mold.
Growing Tips to reduce fungus and mold growth:
Growing Tip #1
Growing Tip #1
Growing Tip #1
Do not overwater. When CowPots are allowed to dry between watering, their walls become a less inviting home for mushrooms and molds which grow best on moist surfaces. Allowing the CowPots walls to dry, the process of decomposition is slowed down, increasing the shelf life of your potted plant before transplanting.
Growing Tip #2
Growing Tip #1
Growing Tip #1
Space them out. Allow for space and ventilation between CowPots. Ventilation helps to dry the CowPots’ walls between watering. This will also encourage better plant growth by allowing plant roots to breathe and improves air pruning. Fungus and molds are easily managed within the suggested 12 weeks we suggest as a shelf life of planted CowPots.
Growing Tip #3
Growing Tip #1
Growing Tip #3
If necessary, step up. After 12 weeks, it is these same fungi and molds that stimulate decomposition. CowPots are designed to be 100% biodegradable and safe for you, your family, your plants and your garden. If it's a cold spring or you need to keep your plants inside longer, we suggest stepping your seedling up to the next size CowPot.