Improved Forsythe Pot Idea

The basics of the Forsythe Pot are the same: a large container lined with landscape fabric and filled with vermiculite (don't forget to add drainage holes if you use a $1 plastic bowl from the thrift store like I did), central water container, and fresh cuttings with or without the use of rooting hormone.


My first attempt in March (before the mosquito season).

My first attempt was good, but still had the problem of water open to mosquitoes.

The use of a Plant Nanny was the key! At my locally owned, independent nursery store, I purchased the Plant Nanny in both the small and the large versions. For the small I used a plastic soda bottle. Yes, green is my favorite color. For the larger Plant Nanny, it would be necessary to consume the contents of a long-necked bottle of wine. Ah, the sacrifices we make for a successful rooting experiment.


Small Plant Nanny


Large Plant Nanny

I decided I could make it look nicer - pretty enough for a Forsythe Pot of herbs to be left on a table. There is also the added advantage that the pot can be left quite a while between waterings, and if needed, the wine bottle version can be used for an extended delay in watering, such as a vacation.

Adding the Plant Nanny.

In my version, the water is no longer accessible to mosquitoes. In a few weeks, the bottle of water will be hidden by the growing foliage. I added plant labels to identify the various cuttings.

Water bottle is in place.

Viewed from the top.

Viewed from the side.

So why not make your own Forsythe Pot next weekend!