Peat pots. Yes or No?

[gimmieToms]

I’ve never actually used peat pots before, as I’m not convinced that the roots will get through properly. However, I have one particular variety of tomato that, no matter how gentle I am, ALWAYS gets transplant shock, even when all the others are fine. It’s a delicate little muffin, although always seems to bounce back. I was wondering if peat pots will be a viable option to try and avoid the shock.
I generally start my seeds in a peat pellet, transplant in to plastic cups at around 2 weeks after sprouting, then in to large containers in the garden at the end of may.
What are your recommendations?

[brownrexx]

I hate peat pots and never use them. The roots never seem to get through mine. Why not start your seeds in a larger container in the first place to avoid transplanting at 2 weeks?

I start my seeds in those plastic cell pots and they do not get transplanted for at least a month when they go into 4" pots. After that they go into the ground.

[gimmieToms]

Originally Posted by brownrexx

I hate peat pots and never use them. The roots never seem to get through mine. Why not start your seeds in a larger container in the first place to avoid transplanting at 2 weeks?

I start my seeds in those plastic cell pots and they do not get transplanted for at least a month when they go into 4" pots. After that they go into the ground.

I transplant when they have two sets of true leaves so I can transplant them deeper and get a better root system. They’re already in the pellets right now, so too late to try that anyway. Perhaps I will try some like that next year.

[brownrexx]

Originally Posted by gimmieToms

I transplant when they have two sets of true leaves so I can transplant them deeper and get a better root system. They’re already in the pellets right now, so too late to try that anyway. Perhaps I will try some like that next year.

I bury part of the stem when they go into the deep 4" pots and again when they get planted in the ground.

[bower]

Let me join in the chorus of hatred for peat pots. They just suck away moisture when the plant needed it, in my experience. Do not break down or mingle with the soil when stuck in the ground. Impervious to roots trying to get through, but will suck water out of the same roots, causing them to stick to the inside surface and break when you try to tear off the pot. Monstrous.

[bower]

With regards the delicate tomato, may I suggest keeping them in the pot for an extra week before transplanting?

I usually give my tomatoes 3 weeks in cell pack before potting up, and at 3 weeks those cells are full of roots and the transplants never show one sign of stress... it's all gratitude at that point. This year I decided to pot up at 2 weeks - the cells were not full of roots, some soil fell off in the process, and plants looked stressed for the first time ever I've seen on potting up. I submit that getting slightly potbound is a benefit when it comes to transplant. Even if you tear or spread the roots, they don't seem to mind it at all, compared to moving when their roots are less firm and abundant.

[gimmieToms]

Originally Posted by brownrexx

I bury part of the stem when they go into the deep 4" pots and again when they get planted in the ground.

Yep, that's exactly what I do.

[halleone]

I don't like them either. They dry out 2-3 times faster than the plastic starter pots. When planting them in the ground, you must remember to remove the top edge of the pot to the ground level or they will dry out and suck out moisture. I quit buying them, no matter how low the price at the end of the season sales.

I start my tomatoes in 1 quart milk carton, cut down to about 6-7 inches high. They never need to be transplanted to a larger container, develop nice root systems, and I just tear the carton apart when it is time to put them into the ground.

[GrowingCoastal]

They either dry out or grow mold up the sides. No.

[Worth1]

I love peat pots.

[Labradors2]

I hate peat pots.

For melons and zukes that hate to be transplanted, I make newspaper pots, making sure to bury the whole thing. They work great

Linda

[roper2008]

I say no. I don't like them.

[AlittleSalt]

They are a waste of money.

[SueCT]

Big no to Peat Pots for me. I tried them, they dried out too fast, delicate new roots cannot get through them and I ended up having to peel it off and that was more traumatic to the roots. AND they grow mold. I second the starting that one in a bigger container so you don't have to disturb the roots when transplanting.

[gimmieToms]

OK, thanks everyone. I won’t bother with the peat pots then. I’ll keep to the plastic.