-----Original Message-----
From: pbs [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net] On Behalf Of
Jane McGary
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2018 1:46 PM
To: pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net
Subject: Re: [pbs] cloth bags

I buy chrysanthemum starts (rooted cuttings) in nonwoven fabric "pots."
The specialist growers write that although the bags are biodegradable
and can be penetrated by roots, it is best to remove the bags when
potting the young plants on. I move the rooted cuttings into 4-inch
plastic pots as soon as they've recovered from shipping and removal from
greenhouse conditions, and grow them on until I see roots at the drain
holes.

These bags might be useful for growing bulbs from seed, since they are
cheap and the young bulbs can be potted on when they go dormant. On the
other hand, the bags aren't reusable like plastic pots, which (though
made from petroleum) can be reused for many years. If you use them to
start annuals, I'd be sure to wait until the seedlings are well rooted
before removing the bags. Some annuals might not have roots strong
enough to penetrate the fabric. I don't know, as in my area annual seeds
are usually directly sown. Also, I'm not sure whether the bags would
allow free enough movement of water to prevent rotting of
moisture-sensitive plants such as many bulbs.

Jane McGary, Portland, Oregon, USA

On 10/14/2018 7:05 AM, Jane Sargent wrote:

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