Heritage looks at needs when choosing pots for liner production

As a propagator, you have to take careful consideration regarding what containers you use. This is particularly true if you’re growing a wide range of products.

Heritage Seedlings Inc. in Salem, Ore., grows woody liners from seedlings, cuttings and grafts. Owner Mark Krautmann said his container choices are keys to success.

“Our industry, by nature is more ruled by habit than thoughtful consideration,” Krautmann said. “We’re all creatures of habit. But when we choose a pot, we really need to decide what we’re looking for and trying to achieve, then look at any negatives a particular container might have.”

Certain designs drain more rapidly. Some hold moisture in the media toward their bottoms.

For conifers, such as umbrella pine, and dogwoods, the company uses Anderson band pots, which are deep and hold moisture. These work well with these species with fibrous root systems.

For natives or other species with less fibrous roots, he uses a cone-shaped QuickPot. Heritage Seedlings has even started germinating seeds in Dutch bulb trays in lieu of field producing these liners.

“Look at your production system,” Krautmann said. “Are you growing on benches or on the ground? If you’re using trays, look at the number of containers it will hold and make sure it fits into your system. We’ve found that this can have a big factor in your handling and grading processes.

For more: Heritage Seedlings, (503) 585-9835; www.heritageseedlings.com.