How to Plant Peat Pots

Peat pots are an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastic planting pots. The pots are made from compressed peat moss that are shaped to form a planting pot. When they are planted, peat pots supply the soil with some extra organic material to provide nutrients as well as to give the soil better drainage. Both of these functions are helpful to new plants, and the pots aren't added to landfill waste.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take off any plastic wrapping that may be around the peat pot. Some brands come with a thin band of plastic wrap around the top edge of the pot. That packaging will not biodegrade and should not be planted.

2. Dig a hole that is large enough for the peat pot. Test the hole by placing the peat pot into it until it is deep enough to cover the top rim of the peat pot.

3. Water the peat pots. They should be watered thoroughly until the water starts to drain out through the bottom of the pot.

4. Tear off the bottom part of the peat pot. This will allow the roots of the plant to escape the pot quickly and to spread out into the surrounding soil.

5. Replace the soil around the plant gently, pressing the soil in place to avoid any air pockets from developing around the pot.

6. Add water to the soil around the plant to help the peat pot to decompose and to allow the roots to settle more easily in the surrounding soil. Water the soil gently by either laying a garden hose on the soil near the plant or by using a plant waterer that sprinkles water. Watering the young plant too harshly can cause injury to the leaves and stems.

References

• More About Planting Peat Pots