Seedling: System of Biodegradable Nestling Planters

UPDATE: Brett Duncan emailed us some more info… after the jump.

This is a great idea from designer Brett Duncan.  It is a system of biodegradable nestling planters.  As the plant grows too large for it’s planter you place the whole planter inside the next larger soil filled planter, and so on, until presumably placing the final planter in the ground.  It is healthier for the plant than repotting because it is less stress on the roots and it is less messy, so less stress on you.  This is a little different than the compressed sphagnum moss (peat moss) planters because they appear to be a little more ridged, and in my opinion, they have a better aesthetic appeal.   There are other biodegradable planters out there but most of the ones I’ve seen are not intended to biodegrade around the plant, instead they are mean to biodegrade in the landfill if you throw them away. 

Unfortunately I don’t have more details on this concept or the designer but I have a possible UPGRADE for him rattling around in the old brain box… you could add an organic fertilizer into the mix that forms the pot so as it biodegrades it fertilizes the plant. 

(To the commenter who hates concept design articles: Sorry for posting another concept with no info on where you can get it, I’m not trying to drive you crazy… or am I)

UPDATE 6/14/08: Brett Duncan emailed us this note…

“Just to help explain some of the questions of the project Seedling, the seed starts in a sphere so that it can be surrounded by soil and nutrients, as well as moisture when it is watered to help simulate how seeds germinate naturally.

Each pot has nutrients and soil combined with the biodegradable plastic. This allows for different amounts and concentrations based on the plants growing cycle. For example, the white specs in some of the pots are actually egg shells.

The user can also tell if the plant needs to be watered by picking up the pot. The plastic absorbs a certain amount of the water so the elasticity changes depending on the saturation of the soil.

I wanted to create more of an experience for people taking care of their plants. I believe that plants have been adapting to us for far to long, maybe it’s time we reciprocated the gesture.”  - Brett Duncan

[via: Yanko Design]