TIPS FOR USING DOCUPOTS

General: DocuPots are made from paper and thus do not work the same as plastic. Water will be drawn to the pot rather than flow through or be retained.

• 1) We recommend using less water more often.
  a. DocuPots draw water to the pot, you will get more, smaller roots and probably will get roots growing through the pot.
  b. DocuPots will dry out between watering, so less water more often is the recommended process.
• 2) Don’t mix different types of pots in the same tray.
  a. Plastic pots are taller than DocuPots and will create a “rain shadow” to reduce the amount of water getting to the plants in the Docupots.
  b. Different pots have different watering needs. For optimal results water the DocuPots more often with less water.
• 3) DocuPots are paper and will act like paper.
  a. DocuPots will get soggy when watered, they will however, firm up as they dry.
  b. Being paper they can get moldy. This is part of the degradation process and is natural.
  c. DocuPots can maintain in the greenhouse for two to three months and will degrade in the soil typically within three months.
  d. Watering at the stock will reduce mold on the pot.

Questions and Answers

 Customer Question

“Will the DocuPot actually break down in the soil, or do I need to remove it before transplanting?”

DocuPots Response (Manufacturer):
DocuPots are designed to be planted directly into the ground or a larger container — no removal required. They’re made from recycled office paper pulp that softens quickly once in contact with moist soil, allowing roots to grow through the walls naturally. In typical garden conditions, the pot begins breaking down within the first few weeks after transplanting and continues decomposing as the plant establishes itself.

 Customer Question

“Are DocuPots strong enough to hold soil and water without falling apart during seed starting?”

DocuPots Response (Manufacturer):
Yes. DocuPots are engineered to stay structurally sound during the seed-starting phase while still being biodegradable. They hold their shape through regular watering, bottom-watering, and handling for several weeks. Once transplanted and exposed to consistent soil moisture and microbial activity, the fibers gradually soften and decompose — exactly when your plant no longer needs the pot’s structure.

 Customer Question

“Is recycled office paper safe for my plants and garden soil?”

DocuPots Response (Manufacturer):
Great question — and one we hear often. DocuPots are made from carefully processed, pulped office paper that’s free from harmful residues. The paper is broken down, cleaned, and formed without toxic coatings or plastics. As it decomposes, it returns carbon-based organic matter to the soil, similar to other fiber-based biodegradable pots. We designed DocuPots to be safe for plants, soil microbes, and home gardens.