Before we get into the benefits offered by fabric pots, we should know what a fabric pot is, and why it has gained immense popularity in the growing industry. Fabric grow pot is just a relatively advanced variety of pots that has been made from a double-layered plastic material, known as polypropylene. This material is breathable, which means it allows air to pass through and hence has a soft texture.
Fabric pots have been classified into two different types: fabric grow bags suitable for young seedlings and fabric planters used for fully grown plants. Both of these types are lightweight, which makes them ideal for a diverse range of plants.
Now, let us look into why people prefer using pots rather than traditional plastic planters.
Indoor Plantation
If you have less space in your garden, or you want to add a natural touch to your indoor spaces, fabric pots are the right choice for you. Fabric plant pots being lightweight are easier to carry wherever you want.
Aeration
We know that humans cannot survive in the absence of oxygen. The same is the case with pants, as they need oxygen for respiration. If oxygen is not available or is present in lesser quantities, your plant will wilt. Pots have a permeable lining which allows for the passage of air. This means oxygen is available for the plant roots.
This not only helps in the survival of plant cells but also provides a living environment for the beneficial microorganisms. Plants require some types of microorganisms to carry out reactions for their survival. It makes the roots stronger and more resistant to harsh environmental conditions.
Portable
We are already stuffed with lots of work to do. In this scenario, having pots that are heavier to carry will demand extra effort. We have made things easier for you. Our pots are easier to carry wherever you want. You can even fold them if there’s no use for it.
Reusable
Fabric plants can be reused countless times. The material is resistant to ultraviolet light so you don’t have to worry about it being damaged from sunlight. Pots may seem expensive at first, yet they would work for a longer time period than traditional plastic planters.
Climatic Conditions
If you are keeping your pots outside, they are exposed to all types of climates. Some days it is cold, some days it gets very hot, and some days rain strikes all of a sudden.
Even temperatures vary during the day. Good-quality pots are made with all these considerations in mind. Pots are resistant to any damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
Temperature Regulation
As humans have developed systems for heat regulation in the body, plants also require a constant temperature for their enzymes to function well. They maintain a constant temperature even if the surrounding temperature is several degrees higher.
When the surrounding temperature is high, the soil gets heated. Plants will face difficulty in managing temperature. For this reason, pots are beneficial as they allow the passage of air and [prevent the temperature from going too high.
Drainage
Stagnant water favors the growth of undesirable microorganisms. So, it’s essential for the healthy growth of a plant, to make way for drainage. Excess water should be kept from the pots. These pots are made from lightweight material which can easily drain water through the bottom.
An amazing benefit is that soil is not lost during this process. Pots allow only excessive water to pass through them. It keeps the soil at an optimal level of moisture.
How To Use Fabric Grow Pots?
Fabric growing pots are best used for plants that have a shallow root system. These bags require minimal space and hence can be used in indoor spaces. When you go to buy a fabric pot, always measure the size of your garden and the fabric pot.
This helps to prevent overcrowding later. Buy the number of pots that can be accumulated in your garden. Excessive pots will give a clumpy look.
Place some pebbles in the grow pots if you are using some potting mixture. Then, add gardening soil or any type of super soil that you are using to fill the bag.
The bag should have about 2 inches left from the top. You should knead the soil a little to uniformly distribute them. For more efficient drainage, you can make little cuts in the bottom.
Now, just take a scoop out of the soil and place the root system of your plant in the soil. Add this soil to the root system to efficiently cover it. The best use of fabric plant pots is for small vegetables and herbs. If you want to plant fruit-bearing trees, choose larger growing bags for them.
How to Wash Fabric Pots?
You can use your 3-gallon fabric growing pots for up to 3 seasons. You can keep them safe to use in the next season. For this, you need to remove the potting soil and wash them with a hose. It’s better to allow them to dry for at least one day to remove all the material present in them.
Use a regular washing machine and place your pots in it. It’s better to keep a separate machine for fabric plant pots and your clothes. In a normal-sized washing machine, nine 30-gallon pots can fit.
Add a few pinches of baking soda and a few drops of white vinegar. This is a natural detergent, so no chemical would bind to the fabric grow pots. Organic detergent can also be employed. Wash it with cool water for optimal results. Don’t forget to dry it completely before you store it!