What is a Coir Pot and why are they important? Well, since the UK introduced a 5p tax on plastic bags in 2014, usage has dropped by an incredible 98%. It proved one thing loud and clear: small changes in behaviour can have a big environmental impact. Yet one huge problem remains in our gardens – plastic plant pots.
Over 500 million plastic plant pots are still going to landfill in the UK every year. Despite best intentions, most local councils won’t accept them for recycling. That means they sit in the ground or on waste heaps, leaching chemicals and taking centuries to break down. It’s time to change the way we grow.
The Natural Alternative: Coir Pots
Coir pots are the natural, biodegradable alternative to plastic pots. Made from coconut husk fibre, they return to the earth in just a few weeks and support both your plants and the planet. The Natural Gardener is proud to be the UK’s largest importer of coir pots – and we’ve been leading the way since 2008.
Each of our coir pots is handmade by women in a village co-operative in southern Sri Lanka. It’s a sustainable, ethical process that provides fair wages and empowers local communities. No machines. No chemicals. Just skill, sun and coconut fibre.
How Our Coir Pots Are Made
The process is beautifully simple:
- Coconut husks are soaked and softened.
- The fibres are beaten by hand and shaped into pots.
- The pots are dried in the Sri Lankan sun.
- They are packed and shipped directly to the UK.
The result? A breathable, biodegradable plant pot that supports strong root growth, air-prunes naturally, and decomposes in your soil without a trace.
Coir Pots vs Plastic Pots: A Clear Winner
| Feature | Coir Pot | Plastic Pot |
| Material | Coconut husk | Oil-based plastic |
| End of life | Breaks down in 6 weeks | Landfill for centuries |
| Roots | Air-pruned | Spiral and tangle |
| Recycling | Not needed | 92% not accepted |
Tried, Tested and Trusted
We were the first to introduce coir pots to UK gardeners back in 2008. Since then, they’ve been featured on Gardeners’ World and given the seal of approval by none other than Monty Don. Our customers return year after year because they love how easy, effective and eco-friendly coir pots are.
A Better Way to Grow
Switching to coir pots isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a practical, planet-positive change that reduces waste and supports healthier plants. Whether you’re potting on tomatoes, starting seeds, growing herbs or forcing spring bulbs, coir pots do the job naturally.
Let’s take what we learned from plastic bags and apply it to plastic pots. Say goodbye to waste and hello to soil-friendly, sustainable gardening.
Are you ready to make the switch? Explore our full range of coir pots and start growing the natural way today.
< Back to all posts