Fabric pots are planters which are made from breathable materials, which are often some type of woven fabric. This material is strong enough for it to be reused multiple times.
Fabric pots can be reused multiple times as long as the fabric is not compromised.
Sun, rain, and frost can reduce the durability of the materials used to manufacture the fabric pots. Limiting exposure to these conditions can allow for the fabric pots to be reused repeatedly.
This article will explain how fabric pots can be reused and what to look for to ensure they last longer for further reuse.
Benefits of Reusing a Fabric Pot
The main advantage of a fabric pot is; that it gives high exposure to oxygen to the root and easy soil drainage.
How Can Fabric Pots be Reused?
Fabric pots can be reused by removing the old plant and the soil from the pot and clearing the inside of small roots and debris.
The fabric planter is then soaked in water to (in a bucket) remove minute soil particles stuck to the sides and the base of the planter. (yes, it takes a little work)
Some plants may have stronger and larger root systems that can penetrate through the fabric. These can be easily removed by the use of a knife or shear.
Next is how to prepare for reuse.
How to Prepare a Fabric Pot for Reuse?
Removal of Dirt
The first step to preserving a fabric pot for further use is cleaning a pot from the long roots of the plants and the larger chunks of clay/soil.
We can use a soft brush for scrubbing. If there is leftover dirt, it will remove but don’t forget about the sensitivity of the material.
Cleaning
After the removal of dirt, you will need to wash the pot.
Hand washing is fine and can be done by placing the fabric pot into a container such as a bucket or a tub filled with water and light detergent.
Drying
The pot should be thoroughly dried before reading g soil or repotting another plant. Drying is simple and can be done by simply leaving the fabric pot out in the sun or in a windy area for a short period of time.
Sterilizing
Fabric pots can be easily sterilized by applying. Dilute amount of hydrogen peroxide to it as a spray. It is a chemical used for killing bacteria and will ensure no bacteria or disease from the previous plant gets transferred to the new plant.
I have found that the VIVOSUN grow bags from Amazon are the best when it comes to durability and affordability.
How Often Can You Reuse the Fabric Pot?
Fabric pots can be reused two to five times before they degrade and become unusable.
External conditions like sun, rain, and cold or frost all play a part in weakening the structure of the fibers during temperature changes as conditions change.
The more exposed the fabric pot is to the elements the shorter its lifespan becomes.
Similar to fabric pots, fabric bags are very easy to use and also very easy to wash.
These pots are also easily reusable, which adds to the comfort level of a planter.
Fabric plant bags and fabric pots are very friendly to use for planting most types of small vegetables and fruits, and the availability of their different sizes makes them more a go-to option.
We recommend using loam-based soil because of its water retention and ability to provide nutrients for the plant effectively. This is the best soil for fabric pots.
How to Repair a Torn Fabric Pot for Reuse?
Let us discuss the ways to fill the cracks and broken parts of the fabric pot.
The following things are required to repair the torn parts:
- A pot to be repaired
- An Epoxy or sticky glue
- A water Tape
- Alcohol
- A pointed knife
Fabric Pot Repair Procedure
- First of all, you have to clean up the broken pieces of the pot with a soft brush or cloth to make sure the cleanliness of your pot.
- Just put the pieces fit together, to see whether you have all the parts of the broken area. Support the pieces with your hand. Just to make a rough image.
- Now take the glue stick, because the glue is a very sticky substance. So, you have to do this step as fast as possible to avoid any kind of damage. I recommend you to use waterproof glue because it will be more convenient than anything else you use.
- Try to use the glue stick on both sides of the fabric pot.
- Put all the pieces in order and squeeze them hard.
- Use a heavy weight or any kind of tape or similar thing that can hold the pieces in position until they dry.
- Try to remove the excess glue after a few days, it will not break your pot.
Things to Consider when Choosing a Fabric Pot
Size
Fabric pots for plantations will have different sizes. They could be as small as to fit into your windows, on the stairs, and on the top of the door.
And as large as to set in your garden having a diameter of hundreds of meters. To avoid any kind of size issue you have to make sure about the size of the fabric plant.
These are available in all sizes depending upon the choice of the customer. Plants with larger roots will surely need large fabric pots to ensure the roots will have enough space to grow so that the plant or plants will thrive.
Quantity
Fabric pots are available in both individuals as well as in sets, if you have an idea in your mind to buy more than one you need to concentrate on the quality of the fabric.
If you need more than one pot, in one place purchasing them in the group will be more beneficial financially. Quality of fiber Keeps in mind that fabric pots sold in pairs will be in the same size and shape, so a bulk pack may not be the right choice if you need multiple pots in multiple sizes.
Format
Fabric pots for plants will be versatile in size, style, as well as color.
These pots are found mainly cylindrical because of their flexible nature. Although there are some that come in a square format, without proper support the sides will eventually bend and sag.
My recommendation is to go for the high cylindrical pots that are darker in color.
There are porous having round edges, handles maybe or not. In order to enhance the beauty of your house, garden or balcony you will find fabric pots for plantation in different colors as well.
How are Fabric Planters Different from Plastic Growing Pots?
Although the fabric pots are much high rated and more costly than plastic plants but on average than plastic flower pots, the advantages of the fabric pots cover all the expense issues.
As from the above-mentioned details, fabric pots are very environmentally good because of their biodegradable nature but these features are not available in plastic pots.
As you know plastics are heat sensitive in nature, plastic can melt easily in the heat.
Plastic can lose its colors and beauty in one to two months. Plastic can also lose its strength in one or two weeks.
Caring for Fabric Pots
Taking great Care of your fabric Pots is very important to maintain their beauty and longevity. If you are using a fabric planter then you have to keep these things in mind.
Some of the artificial scenery or things can be added around the pot, for example, stones or mulch.
Stones or mulch cover the surrounding soil preventing the pot from becoming dirty from splashing soil.
Fabric containers can’t look healthy and colorful forever. The beauty of fabric pots will degrade over the course of time.
Weather conditions such as sun, rain, and frost can significantly reduce the looks and longevity of any fabric if it is exposed for long periods.
There are several ways of caring for these fabric Pots, depending on whether you need them in your future for the beauty of your house or not.
The external structure of these pots can be cleaned while the pots are still full.
- Fill a bucket with a solution of a common detergent mixed with water.
- Use a soft cloth to lightly scrub the fabric pot, removing build-up or stains.
- Then put the fabric pot in an open area and let it air dry.
