FAQs

Product Questions

 

What are the nutrients that actually feed the plants?


SelfEco Garden Pots have plant food built right into the walls of the container. These nutrients come from coffee chaff, worm casings, and other natural organics. As the pot breaks down it releases these nutrients and proteins directly into the roots. This helps the plants grow bigger and faster all season long.

 

Are the nutrients safe?


Yes! All nutrients are natural and organic. Our products are California Prop 65 compliant and all materials are responsibly compounded in the US.

 

Why not Peat Moss?


Peat moss does not add any real nutrients to the plant’s roots and most studies show that it can take up to 100 years to restore a peat moss bog. We'd rather not destroy nature's bogs.

 

Where are these pots actually made?


Proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled responsibly in Stillwater, MN.

 

What is the benefit to using this product rather then the existing biodegradable pots or mostly-peat free pots and a bag of fertilizer?


Traditionally, the feedback with existing biodegradable pots is that they do not hold up well in the commercial grower automated process. Other pots like peat, non-peat moss, or fabric containers usually get mushy and don't break down as fast when they compress on each other. These products also do not really have nutrients to feed the plants. The SelfEco pots have natural plant food built into the walls of the container. Regarding using added plant food or fertilizer, we prefer not exposing granular fertilizer to our children, pets, or waterways. The label on the back of their bag explains why. Eeek!

 

What is the shelf life of the SelfEco pots if they are not being used


If you keep them out of heat, direct sunlight and moisture, we would estimate a few years. Heat and moisture are the cause of the pots breaking down.

 

 

 

Material Questions

 

How is plastic made from plants?


Instead of drilling deep into the earth for oil to make plastics, scientists have found a way to breakdown plants into natural sugars which then can be used to produce a new breed of Earth-friendly plastics.

 

What is the significance of being "Tree-free"?


The natural and organic materials used in our products are quickly renewable vs. many years for tree-based products.

 

If your pots are made from NatureWorks PLA, how do they actually compost outside of an industrial compost facility?


With our plant food additives, it is not 100% PLA. We are using a high percent of a natural product that allows the pot to break down faster than standard PLA. There is no easy answer when it comes to the material science and applications for it. We are not claiming bio-degradable. If anything is left after the growing season, you can till it up for the following season or take what is left and industrial compost it.

 

 

 

Growing Questions

 

What happens if part of my pot is still left after the growing season?


Since every gardening environment is different, your pot may breakdown into nothing over a growing season or you may have a little part of your pot left. Any product that is still recognizable can be tilled up for nutrients for your next growing season or you can industrial compost it with your organics.

 

How long do the pots last above ground with plant/soil in them?


You can pre-plant in the pots without any issue. You have around 6 months above ground with dirt and plants before the pot gets too soft.

 

I'm starting to see white mold growing on my pots before putting them in the ground. Is this normal?


This mold issue has come up when the pots are exposed to too much moisture. Because our pots are made from natural materials, it's in the nature of... well... nature to grow mold in extra moist conditions. Please don't over water your plants above ground!