According to Engineer Raúl Mercado

Growing in bags has become a very popular solution among growers with a more limited initial budget who want to adopt hydroponics as a method for cultivating their blueberries. This is because, in terms of initial costs, bags are more economical than pots.

However, when compared to pots, we have found that the latter offer greater advantages in several aspects:

Pot vs. Bag

Uniformity. With a rigid pot, all containers will have the same amount of substrate, while when filling a bag, due to its elasticity and change in shape, you will have a variation of up to 25% in the volume of the coco coir. This translates into higher costs and less uniformity.

Substrate Investment. A 25L pot can be filled with up to 30L of substrate, while a 25L bag can hold up to 40L. Therefore, your investment in coco coir will be much higher.

Stability. Being rigid, the pot is more stable than a bag in windy conditions, so your plant will be safer and more secure (preventing it from tipping over and falling to the ground).

Oxygenation. The pot features a technology that provides oxygenation in the walls and base.

Drainage. The four channels and conical base of the pot ensure even moisture distribution, preventing root rot.

Hose attachment. The pot keeps irrigation hoses in place, preventing the waste of water and fertilizer that sometimes occurs with bags where the hose can fall to the ground.

Aesthetics. The soil is more uniform and clean, and when combined with ground cover, it also prevents weeds and grass growth.

Production. The pot allows for fewer agronomic errors, resulting in easier and better yields.

Plant health. Some diseases are less prevalent in pots than in bags, such as those caused by excessive humidity.

Costs. While bags may seem more affordable initially, they are not in the long run, as you’ll need to replace them every 5 or 6 years, unlike with pots. Furthermore, there are costs that aren’t factored into bag planting: more substrate, more labor, watering, etc. Not to mention that the plants are more susceptible to damage from the fragility of the bags if they fall, ultimately reducing your yield.

Ultimately, our goal is to be competitive in the global market. Therefore, if we want to stand out, we need to invest not only in excellent varieties but also in the ideal growing environment, equipped with technology that allows them to reach their full potential through a standardized and consistent system. This can definitely be achieved with a rigid pot and coconut fiber substrate.