When it comes to substrate, you mainly think in terms of composition: which raw materials, which structure, which fertiliser. But the form in which you have it delivered has just as much influence on your costs, your workflow and even the quality at the point of use. In this article we compare the five packaging options side by side.
Why packaging matters
Every packaging option is a trade-off between the price per cubic metre, ease of use, the storage space and equipment needed, and the time between delivery and use. An option that is a perfect fit for a large pot plant nursery with a potting machine can be impractical for a landscaper with varying projects.
Loose bulk
The substrate is delivered in bulk by lorry and tipped on your premises.
- Advantages: the lowest price per m³, no packaging waste, quick to handle with a loader or via a hopper.
- Points to consider: you need covered storage or a storage bay, an unloading area that is accessible to a lorry and equipment to move the material. Loose bulk substrate must be covered to protect it from rain and drying out.
- Suits: businesses with large and regular usage, such as pot plant and nursery stock growers with a fixed potting line.
Big bag
A large, strong bag with lifting loops, which in our case holds approximately 1.5 to 2 m³.
- Advantages: easy to move with a forklift or loader, easy to store and to discharge over a potting machine or mixer. The substrate remains protected from the weather and contamination.
- Points to consider: a slightly higher price per m³ than loose bulk, and you need lifting equipment.
- Suits: medium-sized nurseries, businesses that use several substrates side by side and landscapers who work project by project.
Big bale
A compressed bale, mainly used for raw materials such as peat, coir and wood fibre. Because it is compressed, a big bale takes up much less space during transport and storage than the volume you end up with once it has been broken up.
- Advantages: efficient transport and compact storage, attractive for anyone who mixes their own.
- Points to consider: the material must be broken up and often moistened before use. That requires a mixing machine or other suitable equipment.
- Suits: businesses that make up their own mixes, and resellers with their own mixing plant.
Crate
A sturdy crate with a capacity of approximately 1.2 m³, moved with a forklift or pallet truck.
- Advantages: stable, easy to keep track of and easy to move indoors, including in a glasshouse or shed. A handy in-between size between bagged products and big bags.
- Points to consider: smaller volumes per unit, so more handling when usage is high.
- Suits: propagation businesses and smaller nurseries that need smaller quantities more often.
Bag
Bags of 20, 40 or 70 litres, supplied by the pallet.
- Advantages: no storage bay or covered tipping area needed, always a freshly opened quantity, each bag can be handled without equipment.
- Points to consider: the highest price per m³ and more packaging material.
- Suits: garden centres and other resellers (including as retail packs or private label) and landscapers for small jobs.
Freshness counts too
A fertilised substrate is not a product you can store indefinitely. Over time, the EC and pH can change, especially in warm conditions. So choose a packaging option and a delivery schedule that match your usage. Smaller, more frequent deliveries are better than a large stock that sits for months. Unfertilised raw materials are less sensitive, provided they are stored dry and covered.
Making the choice
Not sure? Ask yourself these questions:
- How many m³ do I use per week or per month?
- Do I have covered storage, a storage bay or just a shed?
- What equipment do I have: a loader, forklift, pallet truck or nothing?
- Do I use one substrate, or several side by side?
- Do I mix my own, or do I want a ready-made mix?
- Is my site easily accessible to a lorry?
Still unsure, or want to combine different options? Get in touch. We will look at your usage and your location with you, and advise on the packaging and delivery that best suit your business.
