Among the factors to consider when deciding which biocontainer to use is the type of plant to start up and where it will ultimately be set up. Cow manure pots, made from 100% composted and dehydrated odorless cow manure mixed with recycled cardboard pulp or newspaper, are well suited for annuals and vegetable plantations. Research has shown that containers made from cow manure break down better when used to grow annuals to plant in the ground.

The longer a plant has to stay in a biocontainer, the stronger that container should be. Plants with longer growth cycles should be grown in compostable pots, which degrade more slowly.

If you are starting perennials or woody plants, consider a coir pot, which can either be buried or the plants can be removed and the pot composted. If you are planting a coir pot, tear or cut the corners so that the top of the pot is level with the ground inside to reduce the likelihood that the coir will wick moisture away from the plant roots. .

Please note that some biocontainers – including manure, straw, coir, and peat – will require more frequent irrigation than plastic pots, so monitoring is advised if switching to these types of containers. The use of trays reduces the average daily water requirement.

If you must use plastic jars, please reuse them every year rather than throwing them in the trash. When reusing, remember to disinfect the plastic jars by cleaning them and then soaking them for 10 minutes in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.