Paper Chain Pots - Extra Deep
5.0 out of 5 · 2 reviewsPaper chain pots with cells 50 mm (2 in) deep, twice as deep as standard chains, for bigger, sturdier transplants. Same 264 cells per chain, same 2, 4 and 6 in spacing, and they work with the Paperpot Transplanter, trays and seeding tools you already have.
- Twice the depth, twice the root room. Same footprint as a standard cell, but 50 mm deep instead of 25 mm. Research on transplant cells finds bigger cells grow more leaf, shoot and root.
- Same trays, tools and transplanter. Open, seed and grow them in Paperpot Germination Trays with the same Opening Kit, Dibble Board and Kwik Klik Slide, then plant with the Paperpot Transplanter.
- 2, 4 or 6 in spacing, 264 per chain. The same spacings and chain lengths as standard chains. Seed every other cell for 4, 8 or 12 in.
- Try a 5-pack first. Every spacing comes in 5 chains, 25 chains or a full case.
What's in the box
Compressed Extra Deep paper chain pots in the spacing you choose, 264 cells per chain: 5 chains, 25 chains or a full case (150 chains in 2 in spacing, 45 in 4 or 6 in). Each chain opens over one Paperpot Germination Tray. Trays, potting mix and seed sold separately.
Free shipping on orders over $25 in the Lower 48 · Most orders ship within 24 hours
- 50 mm Cell depth, twice a standard chain's 25 mm
- 264 Seedlings per chain
- 2 · 4 · 6 in Spacing, or 4, 8 and 12 in seeding every other cell
- 5 chains Smallest pack, to try them out
From our reviews
-
“The deep cells allowed us to keep our starts in the greenhouse longer, providing greater root structure before transplanting. They worked especially well with carrots and cylindria beets.”
Grant W. -
“Moisture retention and rooting depth is so much better in these and is giving me super healthy starts!”
Cory B.
What you need to grow and plant them
Extra Deep chains use the same system as standard chains: open over a Germination Tray, seed, grow out, then plant with the transplanter.
-
Plants a chain in one pass, standing up -
One per chain, to grow the seedlings out -
Hold the germination trays for bottom watering -
Spreader bars and frame to open each chain over a tray -
Presses a seed pocket into every cell at once -
Seeds all 264 cells in one pass
Get it all in one box
The Pro-Series Starter Kit includes the transplanter plus 6 in paper chains, germination and bottom trays, the Opening Kit, Dibble Board and Kwik Klik Slide with seed plates.
See the Starter Kit →Specs at a glance
- Cells per chain
- 264
- In-row spacing
- 2, 4 or 6 in (4, 8 or 12 in seeding every other cell)
- Row planted per chain
- About 49.5 ft (2 in), 93 ft (4 in) or 139 ft (6 in)
- Cell size
- 1.18 in across (same as standard), 50 mm (2 in) deep
- Pack sizes
- 5 chains, 25 chains or a full case (150 chains in 2 in, 45 in 4 or 6 in)
- Fits
- Paperpot Transplanter, Germination Trays and seeding tools
Guides from paperpot.co
Step-by-step guides and crop notes live on paperpot.co, our Paperpot learning site.
- GuideWhat are paper chain pots?Cell size, chain lengths and how spacing works.Read the guide ↗
- GuideHow to use the Paperpot systemOpen, seed, grow and plant, step by step.Read the guide ↗
- Crop guidesPaperpot Growers NotesSeeding, timing and spacing for 19 crops.See the crops ↗
- GuideSkip spacingSeed every other cell for 8 or 12 in spacing.Read the guide ↗
- GuideKwik Klik Slide instructionsPlate chart and seed-testing tips.Read the guide ↗
Extra Deep paper chain pot questions
More answers in the full Paperpot FAQ, or email hello@moderngrower.co.
How is Extra Deep different from standard chains?
The cells have the same footprint as a standard chain but are 50 mm (2 in) deep instead of 25 mm (1 in), so each seedling has twice the potting mix. Spacing, cell count and chain length are the same.
Do bigger cells really grow better transplants?
For transplant size, yes. A review of container-size research in HortTechnology (NeSmith and Duval, 1998) found that “as container size increases plant leaf area, shoot biomass and root biomass increase.” The effect on final yield depends on the crop: some studies found higher yields from bigger cells, others found no difference. A Michigan State trial found bigger cells gave bigger plants and more early fruit in peppers, with the same total yield. Read the review.
Do they work with my transplanter and trays?
Yes. Extra Deep chains work with the Paperpot Transplanter, Paperpot Germination Trays, the Opening Kit, Dibble Board and Kwik Klik Slide.
Which spacing should I pick?
The same spacing you'd use in a standard chain: 2 in for spinach, cilantro, dill and peas; 4 in for beets, salad turnips and bok choy; 6 in for lettuce, onions, fennel, kohlrabi and garlic. The crop notes on paperpot.co cover 19 crops.
How many chains do I need?
Each chain plants about 49.5 ft of row in 2 in spacing, 93 ft in 4 in or 139 ft in 6 in. A 100 ft bed planted in four rows takes about 8, 4 to 5, or 3 chains.
Do I need the transplanter?
The chains are made to be planted with the Paperpot Transplanter. You can also tear cells off and plant them by hand, but the transplanter is what makes a 100 ft bed take about 15 minutes.
What else do I need to grow them?
A Germination Tray for each chain, a Solid Bottom Tray under it for bottom watering, and the Opening Kit to spread the chain over the tray. The Dibble Board and Kwik Klik Slide make seeding all 264 cells fast. The Starter Kit includes everything.
Can I use paper chain pots on a certified organic farm?
Paper-based planting pots were added to the USDA National List in late 2022. Check with your certifier before you use them.
Best price guarantee
Find a better price on the same chains and we'll beat it.
Real people answer
Questions go to our team, not a bot. hello@moderngrower.co · 877-850-1555
Ships from the US
In stock, with most orders out within 24 hours. Free shipping over $25 in the Lower 48.
About Extra Deep paper chain pots
Extra Deep paper chain pots are a Modern Grower exclusive: paper chain pots with cells 50 mm deep, twice the depth of a standard chain. Each cell has the same footprint as a standard cell but is 50 mm deep instead of 25 mm, so it holds twice the potting mix. Research on transplant containers finds that as cell size goes up, so do leaf area and shoot and root growth, which means bigger, sturdier transplants.
Same system
Each chain has 264 cells in 2, 4 or 6 in spacing and plants the same length of row as a standard chain. Open it over a Paperpot Germination Tray with the Opening Kit, seed it with the Dibble Board and Kwik Klik Slide, grow it out, and plant it with the Paperpot Transplanter.
Try them
Every spacing comes in a 5-chain pack, so you can trial Extra Deep chains on a few beds before buying a case.