A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The House Plant Forum Peat Pellets

Need a quick answer? When seed starts sprouting, can the pellet be transplanted in the pot directly, or does the pellet need to be broken up a bit so the roots can spread? If I leave it just as it is, and transplant it that way, will the roots have the strength to break through on their own? Thanks.

Plant the entire pod. The roots can easily grow through the fine netting.

Biil, I have to respectfully disagree. I have found that all of my seedlings where I did not remove the netting from the peat pellet were stunted or died. The netting did not disintegrate, and the roots couldn't grow through it. I would strongly recommend gently removing the netting so as not to break tender roots.

I had absolutely no luck with peat pellets but I figured it was because they were 'no name' brand...the netting was too tough to fall apart.

I haven't used Jiffy Pots since the early 70s. Guess they don't make them like they used to!

Bill I have not used them for years either, which is why I didn't say anything. But I think NOTHING is like it used to be.

Maybe if we used the 'jiffy' brand...they would work.

They didn't work for me either.
No escaper for the roots .
?????????

Well guys, thanks, didn't work for me either? Out of 12 seeds, only one came out and to be honest with you, don't think it's a plant seedling but instead a peat weed. I've been taking care of it regardless, but not getting my hopes up.

As for the netting on the peat pellet, well I found out that it's just too tough to rip the fabric fully down on the ones I have, so I took the scissors and cut into them in several places, so I will just chalk this all up to experience. The ones I have are covered with something, but it doesn't look like netting. Who knows what they used?

The ones made with PEAT have a mesh covering and the ones made from COCONUT FIBER have a more paper like cover. I do not like the coco fiber pods ... they dry out too quickly and the cover is too thick. I have never had success with coco fiber pods. The mesh cover on the peat pods is easy to remove, which I suggest you do, as I too have noticed stunted plants when I leave it on.

I agree with Bill, the mesh netting allows the roots to grow through until the matter is composted within the soil. That is the whole purpose of the pellets.