Helping the Earth is Healing for the Soul
One Pot at a Time!

Every day you hear in the news that the earth is being polluted someway, somehow.  There are so many interest groups trying to make drastic changes that sometimes a person may wonder, “Does my small effort really help save the earth?”

To answer this question, I do believe that if everyone made a small effort, it would lead to one, huge, mass accomplishment.  That is why I’ve become interested in recyclable, biodegradable pots. 

An interesting fact is that not all biodegradable pots are created equal; some decompose in six months, others take six years.  Some are made of fiber or rice; others are made from recycled newspaper or other materials.  Also, the designs for the pots are all unique and conform to the needs of either annuals or perennials. 

There are a couple of creative ways to recycle your biodegradable pots.  Some people break the pots into pieces and place them around their plants as mulch.  You could also add them to your leaf bags and bring them to the recycling center, or break the pots up and place them into your compost bin. 

The key to good recycling is to find out what type of biodegradable pot you have with your plants.  When you are at your local greenhouse, don’t be afraid to ask what their biodegradable pots are made out of and how long it will take them to decompose.  Different greenhouses use different manufacturers so don’t be surprised if you get different answers at different places.  Also, ask if you are being charged more for having a biodegradable pot.  Some greenhouses have increased the price, some have stayed the same, and others give you the option of having a plastic or biodegradable pot.

Depending on the type of biodegradable pots, also depends on how you will plant your fall perennials. Here are some basic instructions for planting your fall perennials in biodegradable pots:

1. Cut off the collar of the pot down to the soil level.
2. Cut off the bottom of the pot to allow roots through faster.
3. Cut slits vertically down the sides of the pot.
4. Plant as usual and put removed pieces into the soil or compost bag. 

To note, not all greenhouses have converted or are using biodegradable pots.  It just takes one greenhouse to start the domino effect and the rest will hopefully follow suite.  Planting in biodegradable pots is new to the greenhouse industry, but will be worthy conversion over time for our families, for our earth.

Karl Eckert is the owner of Eckert's Greenhouse and a member of the Metropolitan Flower Growers Association and the Ohio Florist Association.