Sinclair Peat Pots

Material

Sinclair Peat Pots are made from a mixture of blond sphagnum peat and wood fibres with a starch binder to hold the peat and fibres together. A small amount of balanced seedling fertiliser is added.

The peat is selected for the length of its fibres in order to improve the strength of the pot.

The wood fibres are produced from birch logs, which are processed in a high pressure steam oven to soften the wood and remove the resin. The logs are then shredded in a grinding machine to produce a material the texture of cotton wool. These fibres give the pot strength and aid water absorption.

Characteristics

Absorbs water very readily.
All material in the pot is organic and biodegradable.
Roots pass into and through the sides and base of the pot. The pots should be planted out with the plant still in position to avoid root disturbance and any check to growth.
Strong when wet or dry (compared to other makes).
Peat pots and the potting soil content dry out through the sides. Sinclair Peat Pots re-wet easily, either by capillary action or overhead watering.

Shape

Sinclair Peat Pots are available in round and square shapes. Square pots are either single or joined together in strips. Most sizes are the same depth as diameter. Pots are delivered nested, ready for use.

Pot Life

The bench life of peat pots depends on the growing conditions. In normal use and a warm and moist atmosphere, the pots last for about three months, by when the roots will have penetrated the sides and base of the pot. In dry conditions the pots will last longer.

Decomposition

Sinclair Peat Pots rot by the soil bacteria acting on the peat and wood fibres. The length of time taken for decomposition depends on the soil conditions at planting time. Dry soil and dry conditions will delay decomposition. Wet warm conditions cause quicker decomposition.

When planting out the pot must be completely covered with soil to prevent the water "wicking" up the pot and evaporating.

After a dry season, the pot is sometimes found intact around the root of the plant. This does not ususally affect the plant's growth.

Advantages

The pots are planted with the plant, so avoiding root disturbance and any check to growth. Small sizes in strips are economic to handle and are ideal for young plants which will be transplanted using a potting or planting machine.

Delicate rooted plants grow easily into the soft pot.

The moisture level in Sinclair Peat Pots is easily checked by the appearance of the pot; the light colour turns dark brown when the pot is wet. This does not apply to competitive products.

Uses

Sinclair Peat Pots are used in the propagation of all types of seedlings and cuttings. Particular uses are for lettuce, house plants and vegetables seedlings. Sometime the pots are used for forestry seedlings but due to the softness of the pot and the short life on the bench, forestry use is confined to seed propagation.

Size and Volume

Code No		7004	7008	7010	7036	7041
Top diameter Height	mm mm	60 60	70 90	80 80	60 60	40 50
Top diameter Height	ins ins	2.25" 2.25"	2.75" 3.5"	3" 3"	2.25" 2.25"	1.5" 2"
Volume	ltrs	0.092	0.21	0.28	0.11	0.033
Shape		Round	Round	Round	Square	Strip
Pots per pack		3,000	2,000	1,370	2,226	5,000