Should You Switch to Fabric Growing Containers?
It's time to ditch plastic pots- your plants will thank you
Plastic pots are the traditional choice for most growers. Plastic containers are cheap, durable, and dependable.
However, they might not be the best choice for your plants’ health.
Instead, fabric containers provide many benefits that plastic pots don’t. Growers might want to consider ditching the plastics and switching to fabric for several reasons.
The main advantage of fabric containers as opposed to plastic containers is that fabric is permeable, and allows for the flow of air and water.
Root Health
Firstly, fabric containers promote increased root health. Unlike plastic, fabric allows for airflow into the soil, which helps with oxygenation and respiration.
Fabric also aids in temperature control. With plastic containers, heat gets trapped within the soil, which could be harmful to your plants’ roots. However, with fabric containers, the soil can better regulate its temperature.
Plus, the permeability and airflow of fabric pots prevents roots from becoming pot bound. Plants growing in plastic containers are at an increased risk for being pot bound because the roots continue to grow within the pot, quickly running out room and becoming overcrowded.
With a fabric pot, the roots can sense the boundaries of the container due to the airflow near the fabric walls. A plant growing in a fabric pot will be naturally air pruned, keeping its roots under control and ensuring ample oxygen and nutrient uptake.
Irrigation
Just like how fabric’s permeability allows for the flow of air, it promotes waterflow and drainage, too.
With plastic pots, excess water gets trapped in the soil, which can lead to root rot. But with fabric pots, the pot itself will wick up excess moisture and promote drainage.
However, fabric pots are so good at drainage that the soil might end up being too dry. Growers should be sure to keep an eye on the moisture levels when growing in fabric pots.
Other Factors
Despite the benefits, there are a few downsides to fabric containers. For one, they are more expensive and less durable than plastic. And because of their efficient drainage, growing in fabric pots may mean that your crops will require more water. Additionally, fabric pots are more susceptible to mold than plastic, as the fabric holds moisture.
But on the plus side, fabric is better for the environment and for your roots' health. Many growers agree that the benefits of fabric pots outweigh the downsides—you should consider making the switch.
No matter what kind of container you grow in, TC Control Group is here to help if you’re concerned about maintaining proper soil moisture or temperature levels. Our experts can design and install a CEA system that is perfectly tailored to your crops’ needs and will maintain the optimal growing conditions for your operation-- plastic and fabric included.
