Use of Organic Pots and Potting Media for Growing Vegetables

This study aimed at determining the growthof some vegetables using pots produced from organic or biodegradable materials(rice straw) as well as identifying the pottypessuitable for high yield and quality of vegetables. The following parameters were evaluated and identified: 1) degradation rate ofthe organic potswhen burrying in the soil,2) germination and seedling survival of some vegetables sown in the organic pots, and3) suitable potting mediafor celery (Apium gaveolens)and spinach (Spinacia oleracea)usingorganic pots. Results indicated that the organic pots decomposed after20 daysburying in soil. Among nine vegetablestested only four, i.e.squash, hybrid squash(Cacubita maxinta Duch. Ex Lam), yard long bean (Vigna sesquipedalis Fruwirth)and (Ipomoea aquaticL.)germinated and grew well in organic pots and the seedlings can be retained in pots for a longer period. Growing medium (GT1) composing of soil,rice dry leaf and stem,organic fertilizerand slow-release fertilizer appeared to be suitable for those vegetables. Similarly, celery and spinach seedshad higher germination rate when sown in organic pots compared with that in plastic or paper bags. Potting medium (GT2) composing of 40% soil, 25% rice draw, 25% soil moisture maintainer, 10% organic fertilizer and 2.5g/kg slow releasefertilizeris suitable for spinach. On the other hand GT1 was found appropriatefor celery.