CowPots is a biodegradable pot manufacturer based on a third-generation dairy farm in northwest Connecticut. The business was founded by the Freund family, who began dairy farming in 1949. Today, the second and third generations manage two farm businesses: Canaan View Dairy and Freund’s Farm Market & Bakery. The dairy operation provides the manure used to create CowPots, while the market and garden center utilize the pots for growing produce and flowers.
CowPots are made from composted cow manure produced by the farm’s Holstein herd. The cows are monitored using milking robots and activity tracking collars. Their diet is managed by a farm manager in consultation with a veterinarian and dairy nutritionist. The feed includes forages grown on the farm, along with grains and minerals. CowPots uses a methane digester to produce biogas from manure, which helps heat the farm and power production. The facility also uses solar panels and recycles water to reduce energy and resource use.
The CowPots production process begins by digesting and composting manure. Recycled newspaper and cardboard from the local community are added to the mixture. The final product is formed into biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into soil. The pots are designed to break down in one growing season. They decompose through a process activated by the nitrogen content in the manure, which attracts soil microorganisms.
CowPots were first produced in 2005. The Freund family used the product in their own greenhouse and transitioned most of their herbs, vegetables, and bedding annuals from plastic pots to CowPots. The pots are intended to reduce waste, prevent transplant shock, and support healthy root systems. Because the pot walls are porous, roots grow through them without becoming root bound. This allows for direct planting without removing the pot, which reduces stress on plants during transplanting.
CowPots offers a variety of products including:
10 Row Tray: Introduced in 2023 for seed starting and microgreens.
#3 SixCell Flat: Used for mixed garden seeding and fast-germinating vegetables.
#3 Square and Round: Designed for herbs, vegetables, and annuals with short growing periods.
#4 Square and Square Tall: Intended for seedlings requiring more greenhouse time before transplant.
#4 Round Tall: Provides more soil volume and better air circulation between pots.
#5 Square and Round: Suitable for woody herbs and ornamental plants.
#6 Square and Round: Used by dahlia growers and for late-season crops.
#7 Square: For larger vegetables and flowering plants like Cannas.
#11 Square Tall: Designed for perennials needing deeper root space.
#12 Square: Used for bulbs and chrysanthemums.
#17 Round: Originally designed for live Christmas trees and combination planters.
CowPots are available for purchase through their online store, in bulk wholesale cases, or in smaller quantities from online retailers and local garden centers. The company also works with distributors to offset high shipping costs to regions such as the Midwest and West Coast.
CowPots has received certifications and recognition including USDA Certified Biobased Product status, the Joe Gardener 2008 Stamp, the MGA Green Thumb Award, and recommendations from the National Home Gardening Club. All pots are made in the USA and use no peat or plastic. The production process is designed to be zero-waste and aligns with the farm’s forestry and nutrient management plans.
The business remains focused on using renewable and recycled materials to support sustainable agriculture and reduce plastic waste in gardening.
