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Tea bag mesh on plug plants

FarendwomanFarendwoman Posts: 148

Have been receiving some lovely plug plants over last few days- keeping me very busy!

my question is - do other forum members remove the tea bag mesh on plug plants or leave it in place?

in previous years I have left it in place and found it still there as a tight binding a season later when I have removed the plants from their containers.

do you think it constricts the growth?

Or will removing it severely damage the roots and affect the growth?

Tempted to do a 50/50 comparison!

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    Having started by leaving it in place, I now remove it as long as the roots aren't already growing through it.  Like you I found that when left in place it seemed to constrict the roots. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • FarendwomanFarendwoman Posts: 148

    Thanks dove

     

  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995

    Maybe snip it a bit with a pair of old scissors?  Less time than removing, but will 'open' it up so roots can find their way out.  

    Utah, USA.
  • BookertooBookertoo Posts: 1,306

    For the last few years I have been removing the grow mesh from plug plants, and have certainly had better rooted plants as a result.  I too found the roots were constrained and did not take up feed or water when the mesh was left in place.  I know the manufacturers say the roots will come through and go into the compost/soil, but in my experience they don't.   Careful removal seems to be the answer for me. 

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