How to Incorporate Coir into Your Planting Mix

Coconut coir is an optimal growing medium for plants, and thanks to its reliability, versatility, and effectiveness, it can be used season after season in any gardening capacity, either alone or in conjunction with other growing mediums. This brief guide will cover background information on coco coir, the advantages of using coco coir, as well as steps for creating your own coconut coir planting mix.

What is Coir?

Coir is a product that comes from the fibers found on the outside of coconut husks. For gardening purposes, the coconuts are harvested, the fibers are removed, and then the fibers are processed and flattened into coco coir bricks. Upon purchase of the coco coir bricks, you simply add water to the bricks, and you’re able to plant any kind of vegetation that works for your growing space. You can use coco coir in hydroponic systems, and it can also be used in high concentrations in conjunction with soil, depending on your gardening preferences.

Benefits of Using Coco Coir

There are countless benefits of using coco coir planting mixtures instead of peat. As an organic and eco-friendly product, coir is a renewable resource that can be used multiple times. Coco coir has a neutral pH when compared to peat, and it lasts much longer than peat, making coir a budget-friendly choice. When you’re finished using coco coir as your growing medium, you can use it as mulch for landscaping purposes.

Coco coir is incredibly effective at absorbing and retaining water, and it assists the root system of the plant in receiving all the water and nutrients necessary to promote growth. Coir also provides adequate air circulation for the root system of the plant.

How to Use Coco Coir in Your Planting Mix

If you’re ready to begin using coco coir, you can add it to your planting mix quite easily. If you’re using coco coir as the base for your planting mix, it can be used in concentrations of up to 40 percent of the total mixture. Make sure you’re adhering to any specific package instructions for your particular brand of coco coir, and then you’re ready to start.

First, you’ll have to soak the coco coir brick in water. Next, it’s important to blend the coco coir with your hands to break up any clumps. The coco coir needs to be loose to mix properly with the soil. You’ll need to add your desired quantities of coco coir and soil into your container as well as any fertilizer, and then mix it thoroughly. Now your coco coir planting mix is ready for use with potted plants or in outdoor garden areas.

With this basic information of coir, including the advantages of using it in your garden, you’re all set to make your own coco coir planting mix and watch your plants flourish. Try incorporating coco coir into your planting mix, and you’ll never go back to using peat. Give coco coir planting mixtures a chance to work for your plants today.