Can You Plant Peat Pots Directly in the Ground? The Pros and Cons

Peat pots look like the best way to start seeds because they break down naturally and can be planted right in the garden. But can you really just plant peat pots in the ground? Or do they make things worse instead of better? Read on to find out.

What are Peat Pots?

Peat pots are small containers used to start seedlings indoors. Different sized and shapes of them are made from peat moss that has been pressed down. The plan is to plant seeds in the peat pots, watch them grow into seedlings, and then move the whole pot to the garden without disturbing the roots. The peat pot turns into nutrients in the soil over time, so you don’t have to take seedlings out of their pots.

Peat pots have been around for decades and remain popular with home gardeners looking for a biodegradable and easy way to start plants. They are especially handy for vegetables and flowers that dislike having their roots disturbed, like squash, melons, and cucumbers.

The Benefits of Planting Peat Pots Directly in the Ground

There are some advantages to planting peat pots straight into the garden

• No transplant shock: the roots of seedlings will get hurt when you take them out of their plastic pots. If you plant the plant in a peat pot, this stress won’t happen to it.

• Earlier planting: You don’t have to wait for the last frost to plant out peat potted plants. The peat insulation protects the roots from some cold temperatures.

• Less waste: Peat pots are compostable and biodegradable. Plastic pots usually end up in the landfill each season.

• Moisture retention: The peat helps hold moisture around the developing roots. This gives the plant a boost, especially in hot or dry conditions after transplanting.

• Nutrients: As the peat breaks down, it releases nutrients into the soil that the plant can use. This gives them a feeding boost.

Potential Problems with Planting Peat Pots In Ground

However, peat pots also come with some downsides that you need to consider

• Slow to break down: Peat is very slow to break down in many soils. The pots often remain intact for months, restricting root growth.

• Roots grow into pot: Seedling roots penetrate and grow into the pot walls. Removing the root-filled pot damages the roots.

• Wicks moisture away: Exposed top edges of the pot can wick moisture away from the soil. This causes the seedling to dry out.

• Vulnerable to mold: Damp peat is prone to mold. Keeping peat pots evenly moist but not wet can be tricky.

• Repel water when dry: If peat pots totally dry out, they resist re-wetting and hold water away from the roots.

• Require cutting: To allow outward root growth, you often have to cut or tear peat pots before planting.

• Ongoing cost: Peat pots are single-use items, so you must purchase new ones every planting season.

Tips for Successfully Planting Peat Pots In the Garden

If you want to try direct planting peat pots, follow these tips to increase your chances of success:

• Cut or score the sides of the pots before planting. This gives roots an escape route out of the pot.

• Tear off any exposed peat pot rim above the soil line after planting. This prevents moisture loss.

• Water peat pots thoroughly before transplanting. Dry peat resists rehydration.

• Loosen roots from pot walls or break up exposed bottom peat plugs. This encourages root spread.

• Amend garden soil with compost to encourage fast breakdown of peat pots.

• Space pots well in trays and allow air flow around plants to reduce mold risks.

• Use pots sized for each plant’s root system. Overly large pots take forever to decompose.

• Consider blending peat with materials like coir or wool which break down faster.

Alternatives to Planting Peat Pots Directly in the Garden

If the potential hassles of peat pots make you think twice, what are the options? Here are a few peat-free choices:

• Reusable plastic pots – More sustainable than single-use peat and very affordable long term.

• Cow pots – Made from composted cow manure and fully biodegradable.

• Paper pots – Constructed from recycled paper and cardboard materials.

• Coir pots – Sustainable pots constructed from coconut coir fiber.

• Compostable plastic pots – Plastic-like pots made from plant materials that decompose.

• Cell packs – Like plastic 6-packs but decompose in the garden.

• Burlap pots – Craft your own pots using natural burlap material.

The Bottom Line – Can You Plant Peat Pots Directly?

You definitely can plant peat pots directly into the garden. However, it is risky and they do not always break down quickly as hoped. With care, you can increase success rates. But for many gardeners, the frustrations of peat pots outweigh the benefits. If you want an eco-friendly pot, but skip the peat problems, alternatives like cow pots, coir pots or recycled plastic may be better options. With extra preparation and care, peat pots can work, but other biodegradable pots are less hassle.