this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2026
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Longevity of fabric pots? Looking for general advice and experiences (slrpnk.net)
submitted 1 month ago by Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net to c/gardening@lemmy.world
6 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I'm thinking about buying a few fabric pots and would like to hear some user experiences.

But my main concern is sustainability.

Does anyone have experience using them outside at harsh conditions, e.g. UV radiation, freezing temperatures, all year around?

  1. Can you wash them in the washing machine? Are they hard to clean?
  2. How well do they work for perennial plants in winter? They are pretty airy after all, does this insulate the cold, or makes it even more destructive for the hibernating roots?
  3. How long do they last under those conditions? Will they disintegrate after some time and shed microplastics?
  4. Do they dry out significantly faster than regular pots? How is the water consumption?
  5. When using coco coir, should I use less perlite?

Thanks a lot!

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[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net 9 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

I've been using them for the past couple years and they've lasted so far. Can't say anything beyond that yet.

Overall I've had a good experience. They are space efficient when not in use, reduce girdling root issues, and are cheap. Biggest issue is that they do dry out a little faster but it's a minor thing.

I'm sure they will turn into microplastics eventually but so does every plastic option. Terra cotta would be really your main option if you want to avoid that.

[–] Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Thanks! Then, I'll try them.

Terracotta isn't my thing. It breaks too easily, especially when it freezes.

Should I include less perlite (10 instead of 30% v/v) in bigger pots when using fabric? Is the aeration/ air pruning significantly better?

[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net 3 points 1 month ago

I haven't really changed my potting blend so I'm not too sure on that one.

I've found the air pruning effect is noticeable. The prop-tek air pruning pots are the best but too pricy for me.

[–] Montagge@lemmy.zip 3 points 1 month ago

I've never bothered with washing them

I get 2-3 years out of them

They dry out a lot faster and they don't hold any excess water which sucks

You can if you want, but I don't think it matters to much on the perlite

[–] UxyIVrljPeRl@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

My Pots are now >5years old, i mostly use them as inbetween pots or potatos. I have not bothered to wash them.

They dry out verry fast and your roots will grow through the bottom. Id recommend a drainage+spillover under pan.

My tomatillo started in these pots and i put dem on a hydryponic plate that normally stands 60 seedlings. That worked verry well.

Lasg year my Potatos didnt survive angainst snails, they came back this year in force, so atleast potatos survived the freezing.

Sikkim after ~2weeks

Here thats the sheet i used:

[–] Guenther_Amanita@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 month ago

Thanks for the input! ☺️