At CowPots, we are dedicated to providing gardeners a sustainable product for seed starting and growing. We are also committed to sharing insights from our own growing experience to make sure your plants thrive. Whether you are starting seeds, up-potting, or preparing for a bountiful growing season, CowPots offer a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic pots. Here is a roundup of common questions and answers about CowPots to guide you through their use.
1. Durability and Watering Routines
How long CowPots last before transplanting is dependent on watering routines. Based on standard greenhouse growing conditions, the #3 six cell can accommodate about 6 weeks, the #3 and #4 styles support a 12-week shelf life, and the #5 and #6 styles last up to 16 weeks as they have thicker walls. To maximize shelf life and durability of your biodegradable CowPot:
- Allow CowPots to dry between waterings to harden the walls and interrupt decomposition.
- Handle CowPots when dry to avoid tearing.
- As the plants grow in height and leaf out, consider spacing the CowPots to allow increased air flow, improving the pots ability to dry.
- For long-season crops, consider starting seeds in germination trays and transferring them to CowPots later to meet the recommended growing time.
2. Breakdown Time in Soil
CowPots are crafted to encourage easy root penetration, with roots often growing through the pot walls within a week for crops like cucurbits. Once planted, the CowPot will decompose completely within a season, depending on soil moisture and bioactivity. To support a consistent breakdown of the biodegradable CowPot in one growing season:
- Fully bury the CowPot under the soil to maintain consistent dampness/degradation of the entire pot.
- In sandy or arid soils, keeping the CowPot moist encourages faster decomposition.
- Roots grow freely through CowPots, minimizing transplant shock and allowing plants to establish quickly.
3. Preventing Root Bound Plants
Unlike traditional pots where roots can coil, biodegradable CowPots’ porous structure encourages roots to grow unrestricted by the pot walls. The porous pot walls enhance air pruning. This eliminates root binding and ensures plants develop strong, healthy root systems. And when it’s time to transplant, place the whole pot in the soil (same guidelines for transplanting into a larger container or into the garden) without crushing or tearing, reducing transplant shock. Learn more about how to use CowPots!
4. Accelerating Decomposition
Moisture and bioactivity are key to CowPots breaking down in the soil. Submerge the entire pot to prevent exposed areas from drying out and delaying decomposition. Studies found that 100% biodegradable CowPots break down 4x faster than competing biodegradable plant pots. See MAFES study. This is due to the base ingredient being manure! First this ingredient provides a critical element for composting and decomposition: nitrogen. Secondly, this nutrient attracts beneficial soil organisms to the planting site which aid in the decomposition.
5. Are CowPots Organic?
While not certified organic, CowPots are produced with a deep commitment to sustainability and transparency. The manure used comes exclusively from our farm, where we grow forages within three miles of the farm. Cows are the true locavores! We use integrated pest management and do not apply persistent herbicides like Grazon. The manure is processed through an anaerobic methane digester and heated multiple times, ensuring sterility and safety in the final product.
6. Up-Potting with CowPots
CowPots are ideal for stepping up plants during their growth stages. For example, we start tomato seedlings in germination trays, transfer them to #4 Square Tall CowPots, and later transplant the entire pot into larger containers or grow bags. The pots seamlessly integrate into this process without disrupting root systems, making them perfect for up-potting.
CowPots offer a versatile, eco-friendly solution for gardeners and growers alike. Whether you are growing tomatoes in stages or preparing for a May sale with long-season crops, CowPots provide durability in greenhouses and swift decomposition in soil. For those curious about our farm practices or looking to learn more, check out some of our videos about including a sustainability series and virtual farm tours.
Let CowPots be the foundation of your sustainable gardening journey this season!
