Given all the negative issues associated with peat pots why use them at all? They don't contribute anything to germination rates or times and you have to tear them off before transplanting anyway so nothing is gained.

Dave

Most of my seedlings get transplanted up a couple of times. Usually seeded in small shallow trays, they get transplanted to little 4oz plastic cups (bathroom size) then many of them move up to 9, 12 or 16 oz cups as they need it.

I stopped using peat pots, but last year tried some of the Cow manure pots (4") for some things that do not like being transplanted. They worked very well, dissolving within a matter of days when planted outside. I dipped them in a bucket of water before planting them in the ground to make sure they were saturated, and tore off any of the top edge that was above ground. I had one of my cucumbers die quickly, and when I went to replace it I couldnt find any remains of the pot.