Plant Pot And All

"Plant pot and all" is a phrase that gardeners will see many times this year. It means that pots made of peat moss have deservedly become a "smash hit." What could be more logical than to use a plant-starting container made of soil-conditioning peat moss? As long as the peat pot is above the soil, it will sufficiently contain plant roots. As soon as planted outdoors, the roots quickly grow through the pot walls into surrounding soil. Growth never slows.

Peat pots are molded of long-fibered peat moss which has been slightly strengthened with wood fiber. A balanced fertilizer is incorporated to aid soil organisms in decomposing the pots without taking nutrients from the soil. Round peat pots are commonly made in three sizes: 2-, three- and four-inch. Square pots are made 1- and three-inches square, These measurements are made across the pot tops. Square pots are valuable to the gardener who must treasure limited space. A 1-inch square contains nearly as much soil as a 2/4-inch round pot.

If the pots are set on a moist growing medium, either indoors or in a cold frame, roots will immediately grow through into the surrounding soil. If this becomes a problem, spread a piece of plastic beneath the pots, or group them in a flat. Under normal conditions of moisture peat pots will stand up for 12 weeks before planting in soil becomes necessary. Don't plan to use them as permanent containers for house plants.

Peat pots are dry at first, but later they become reservoirs to provide a gradual supply of moisture. To create this reservoir, water thoroughly the first and second day of use. My favorite starting medium for seedlings and cuttings is a 50-50 combination of coarse peat moss and vermiculite. Liquid fertilizer is applied regularly when growth becomes active. Equal parts of garden loam, clean sharp sand and peat moss make another suitable starting soil.

To make matters even easier, one manufacturer has brought out a small solid cube of a compressed enriched -rooting mixture which eliminates the need for any other seed starting medium, The seed is placed in an indentation in the top of the cube and watered. It's that simple. After germination the plant sends its roots downward into the moist cube and later the whole thing is transplanted to the permanent place in the garden. Some of these cubes come completely planted.