Kelp Pot tips & instructions
1. Sow
Fill pot with soil - We recommend using seed-starting potting mix.
Plant seeds - Different seeds have different needs. Follow seed packet instructions for spacing and depth recommendations.
Water gently - No drainage holes needed. Excess water will seep through pot walls.
Store pots in a tray to contain any extra drainage - Don't leave your pot in standing water.
Place in a sunny spot or under a grow light - low light = leggy starts
2. Nurture
Keep soil moist as seeds germinate - Water evenly. Don’t waterlog your pot or keep it in standing water for long periods of time.
The pot will tell you when it needs watering - Pot will harden and turn light brown when it's time for another drink.
Let pots dry inbetween waterings - Prevents overwatering and reduces mold formation.
Leave space between pots - This improves air circulation and prevents mold.
Pots are delicate when wet - handle with care and support from the bottom.
3. Transplant
Transplant when roots emerge from pot - You will also see sprouts.
Dig a hole and bury entire pot - Cover completely with soil. Leaving the pot exposed can wick away moisture.
Don't remove or tear the pot - It will break down naturally over the growing season, enriching soil as it goes.
Water generously - Continue to water just like any other plant. Biopots may need more water than plastic.
Extra kelpful tips
Yes! Bottom watering works beautifully with Kelp Pots and helps encourage roots to grow downward. Just place your pot in a shallow tray of water and let it absorb for 20–30 minutes. One important note: don't leave your pot sitting in standing water for extended periods. Kelp Pots are designed to manage moisture naturally, and prolonged soaking can cause them to soften faster than you'd like.
Absolutely. Kelp Pots are fully compatible with your favorite liquid or granular fertilizers and won't cause nutrient burn the way some synthetic pot materials can. In fact, the kelp bioactives in the pot work in harmony with fertilizers to support healthy root development.
Your Kelp Pot will actually tell you! When the pot is dry, it will appear lighter in color. As it absorbs water, it darkens. Think of it as a built-in moisture indicator: if your pot looks pale and light, it's time to water. If it's a rich, dark tone, your seedling is well-hydrated.
Nope — and please don't! The whole point is to bury the entire pot, roots and all, directly into your soil. There's no need to tear it apart or remove it. The pot will begin breaking down on its own once it's in the ground, returning organic matter back into the soil as it goes. Just dig a hole, drop it in, cover it up, and let nature do the rest.
Don't panic! This is completely normal. Mold on the outside of your Kelp Pot means the moisture level is just right for germination. The mold is surface-level and won't harm your seeds or seedlings. If it bothers you, move your pot to a spot with a little more airflow. Once you transplant into the ground, it becomes a non-issue entirely.
Yup! You can write directly on your Kelp Pot with a regular, non-toxic marker. No labels, no stakes, no stickers required. Just write the variety right on the pot itself. It's one of those small things that makes seed-starting season a lot more organized, especially when you've got twelve varieties of tomatoes going at once and they all look identical at the seedling stage.
Well, technically it's made from seaweed and plant fibers, so… we get why you're asking. But no, please don't eat your Kelp Pot. It's not food-grade, and it's meant for your garden, not your plate. Feed it to your soil instead. Your tomatoes will thank you.
Let's talk fungi & mold
It’s normal! Because Kelp Pots are made from natural, biodegradable materials, you may notice fungal growth on the surface. This is typically common soil fungi that help break down organic matter.
It’s not harmful to plants in normal amounts and is part of the natural process of returning the pot to the soil.
How to mitigate mold:
→ Avoid overwatering
→ Increase airflow
→ Use sterile, well-draining soil
→ Let pot dry between waterings
We 💚 feedback
Sharing your experience helps us evolve Kelp Pots to better meet you & your plant's needs.
