For a newbie who has never tried container gardening, he or she might be wondering what the fuss is about with these pots. For one thing, container gardening does not necessarily require the use of a soil. In fact, container plants, especially herbs, can thrive in just about any type of pot. All it really requires is some tender loving care and some watering. Container gardening can also benefit from the addition of some well chosen flowers or some fragrant herbs. There are many other advantages that make container gardening preferable over the traditional outdoor vegetable garden.
Disposable pot gardening is a method that conserves water and energy as well. The pots used are made of either glass or plastic and contain a porous ceramic material to allow moisture to drain from the inside and evaporation to the exterior. In the case of disposable plant pots, therefore, the pots are to be kept in an area where moisture is sure to be present for a reasonably long period of time, usually up to a few months before they are finally discarded or planted into soil (so, for instance, in the nursery). In addition, this system conserves both the land and the resources used in the production of organic foods, since the water used in the growing process does not go to waste.
The most popular material used to manufacture containers for hydroponic vegetables (which include herbs, strawberries, peppers and cucumbers) are polymers. These are materials that are both durable and resistant to staining. Thus, they can be used for a wide variety of plants, in their various stages of growth. One good thing about using polymers is that they do not need soil to be filled or tilled in order to ensure their proper growth. Instead, the holes in the bottom of the pot to serve as places for the plant roots to enter.
While these substances are suitable for the production of plant pots, they can also be used to make other items such as trays, planters and shelves. This is because some of these substances have water-resistant properties (they are often coated with plastic to increase resistance to weather and water) which make them very useful as surfaces for hanging decorations or displaying collections. They can also be coated with saw dust for added protection and functionality.
A combination of polymers and saw dust, for example, can be used to make what is known as the “plastic pot”. Basically, this is a container filled with water and arranged in a way that keeps the contents dry. The material is mixed according to the needs of the project. Some combinations use only polymers; others may include paper. A single material may be coated with saw dust or polymers according to the type of project. When this mixture is molded and cast as a plant pot, it is then finished according to the need of the project.
Another example is the papercrete mixture. It is made from cement, sand and gravel that are all poured into a container. Using a nozzle, this mixture is then shot through a machine that fuses the materials together. After a while, the container is filled with water and left to dry. Once it is ready, it is then ready to be painted with a sealant and/or decorated according to the taste of the project owner. However, since paper concrete does not lend itself well to being molded into a shape, most of these containers are simply used as decorative pieces in workshops.
Disposable plant pots are not only good for home use. Many manufacturers are now beginning to make them for commercial purposes. For example, Wal-mart uses these types of pots in their displays, giving consumers the opportunity to see what items are available by the bag. Similarly, grocery stores can offer these products for sale along with other items, like plates, dishes and linens.
These pot styles have also found their way into the classroom. In fact, one method is called the ‘pecan coating.’ Instead of coating the pot with an adhesive or painting a design on it, companies can coat the bottom of the container with a polymer that has a mild form of pecan flavor, which students can then apply themselves. They can also be applied to the container without the polymer initially by placing a small amount of glue along the edge of the container. Once the glue is dry, the surface of the pot will have a smooth, pecan-colored appearance.