I'm looking into different systems for starting seeds. Soil blockers look good,
http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/diary/archives/000030.html
but I think I need to resist gadgets just now (more expense!) and the soil mix seems to require peat, which I don't want to use.
Paper pots look good:
http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/products/nether-wallop/paper-potter/
but what worries me is that the paper might take some time to break down, after planting out, and that the roots would have to wait for that that to happen before they can progress. Anybody used these and can report on them?
i have used them with success, but i fine you must make sure the paper is saturated when planting out and also ensure all of the pot is under soil level so that it stays moist, then the roots have no difficulty with breaking through.
here is link for making pots with out buying a gadget.
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,27698.0.html (http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,27698.0.html)
this year though i used my numerous tins from beans, etc for potting on tomatoes, courgettes, squashes and peppers, etc.
I have made paper pots when I sowed parsnips. They did well. If you are unsure about the roots forcing through the bottom, force a hole in the bottom when you place it into the ground. Some people also slit the paper down the side as they transplant to allow the plant to swell. When i harvested my parsnips there was no paper left at all, it had all degraded into the ground. The only thing that did happen was that some mould appeared on the paper but I was no too fussed as it did not affect the plant.
Great stuff, thanks guys!
we use lots of toilet roll inners, specially for beans and things ;D
Save your loo roll tubes. They look dreadful after a few weeks of watering, with mould growing but this does NOT affect the plants at all.
The loo rolls - they really do disintegrate quickly in the ground? They must do I guess, if it works, which it clearly does from what everyone says!
I found it was best to break the pot on planting, especially if you can't be there to water regularly.
I used folded up newspaper pots for lots of things last year and they worked a treat. By the time the plants were ready for the great outdoors, the paper was pretty soggy and fragile so unlikely to pose any problem for the roots. I found it rots away really quickly.
If you use loo rolls (good for sweetcorn I've heard) the bottom is open anyway so the roots can escape.
I also found that making the pots was a very relaxing activity for the long winter evenings (maybe I should get out more) ;)
I only have a few and not planted anything in them yet as Alfie got bored after about 10(more child labour ;) )
(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x296/nilly71/allotment/03092008630.jpg)
I plan on making loads over the winter.
Neil
we had alot of success with toilet rolls for sweetpeas,beans,corn and runner beans