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Grow Smarter Best Practices for Using Smart Pots By Monica Stockbridge
Ever heard of a Smart Pot? No, it’s not hightech cannabis. Smart Pots are the world’s original fabric plant container, providing an alternative to plastic plant pots.
Here are a few best practices for growing highquality, high-yield plants using fabric containers:
Smart Pots were first manufactured in 1984 by High Caliper Growing, the inventors of rootpruning technology, a practice that increases yields by improving water and nutrient absorption. Smart Pots help professional growers and hobbyist gardeners develop a better root structure and stronger plant.
Not all fabric pots are created equal. In fact, some that come from overseas contain heavy metals that contaminate the end product and leach into waterways. These contaminants can affect the end product, which could fail labtesting and result in waste and financial loss.
Fabric pots are also ideal for growing cannabis. “Cannabis should be grown at the highest standard of quality, free from heavy metals and other harmful chemicals,” says Smart Pots sales manager Dustin Locks. “The growing practices should be environmentally responsible with the least amount of waste and benefit not only people but the planet.” Smart Pots are making a name for themselves all over, including in Illinois’ Cresco Labs. 72
Cannabis & Tech Today // Summer 2021
Avoid contaminants from imported products
Be mindful of waste going into landfills Many cultivators are environmentally conscious and highly aware of waste going into landfills. Aim for maximum yields and minimal waste by choosing fabric pots that can be used over and over again without ripping or fraying.
Choose U.S.-made products Products made overseas may be delayed during shipping, and might not offer custom
designs to fit your needs. Instead, look for products made in the U.S. for faster shipping and easier custom ordering.
Maximize your plants’ yield Fabric plant pots help maximize a plant’s performance and increase yield by allowing the root zone to create a healthy, fibrous, and dense root mass. The plants never get root bound and are able to properly drain, which reduces root rot. Plus, fabric pots release heat from the growing medium and allow oxygen in, which dramatically benefits the plant as well as the living microbes. Made in Oklahoma City with stringent quality control standards, Smart Pots are BPAfree, lead-free, and extremely durable. Plus, you can clean them in a commercial washing machine or pressure wash them. They offer a sustainable solution for an often plasticdependent industry. ❖
