What is Organic Coco Coir?

Organic coco coir, sometimes called coco coir or simply coir, is a material made from coconut husks. In the past, we threw the husks away after collecting the coconut’s juice and flesh. However, we’ve started realizing coconut husk is no waste product.

Coconut coir is the part of the coconut between its shell and the coconut seed’s outer coating. Manufacturers soak the coconut husks in tidal waters or freshwater to soften them. After soaking, the organic coco coir is easily separated from the coconut shell. If the coir soaks in tidal waters, it’s then flushed to remove the salt it’s absorbed. The coir is then dried thoroughly for more than a year. The dried organic coco coir is then organized into bales for processing. The bales are chopped and made into several different forms, including fibrous strands, dust, chips, discs, blocks, and rope.

There are two types of organic coco coir: brown coco coir and white coco coir. Brown coco coir comes from ripe, mature coconuts. It’s very strong but not as flexible as the white coco coir that comes from green, unripe coconuts. White coco coir is often used for netting, while brown coco coir suits gardening products, rope, furniture, and a host of other practical applications.

Uses of Organic Coco Coir

Organic coco coir isn’t new. Navigators have historically used organic coir for centuries for rigging rope and their ship cables. In India, Sri Lanka, and the Persian Gulf, people used coir instead of nails when constructing their homes. British and Indian makers used organic coco coir for floor coverings. We still see organic coco coir rugs and doormats today.

A variety of products use organic coco coir on its own or bonded with other materials. There are brushes with organic coco coir bristles, organic coco coir packages, and organic coco coir yarn. Its heat-trapping properties make it a key ingredient in many eco-friendly insulation panels. Manufacturers use a combination of coir and rubber in modern mattresses, car seats, and sofas. When blended with rubber or timber veneers, organic coco coir also makes a sustainable alternative to plywood.

Organic coco soil is incredibly popular in the gardening sector. You’ll find organic coir plant pots and liners for hanging baskets. Organic coco coir blankets can reduce soil erosion. Organic coco coir is also an effective soil substitute for hydroponics and a growth enhancer for other plants.

Benefits of Organic Coco Coir

Organic coco coir has many benefits. It’s made from a waste product, so it saves space in landfills and allows us to make better use of our natural resources. Harvesters collect new coconuts from trees every two months, so organic coco coir is incredibly sustainable. The material is also extremely hardy and resistant to decay, so you can reuse it over and over again without replacing it for a very long time. This longevity also adds to organic coco coir’s eco-friendly credentials.

The gardening industry has embraced organic coco coir because it’s nutrient-rich with a neutral pH. It also holds up to 10 times its weight in moisture yet allows oxygen-rich air to pass through and roots to grow freely. This unique property lets plants stay hydrated without leaving them vulnerable to fungus or root rot. Unlike soils, organic coco coir resists moths and other garden pests that can prey on plants. You can also use organic coco coir over and over again. Once it’s dried out, it can easily become wet again, absorbing and retaining more moisture than peat moss.

Unlike many organic materials, organic coco coir is also very inexpensive. That’s good news for growers and manufacturers who want to incorporate organic coco coir into their products.

Organic coco coir is also lightweight, making it easily transportable. Whether you’re wanting to move it around your property or worrying about shipping costs when shopping online, organic coco coir’s portability is another real perk.

The structure of organic coco coir easily combines with other materials, making it an incredibly versatile choice. It is regularly blended with rubber and timber in the manufacturing business today. In the coming years, we’re likely to see even more combinations. Gardeners can also use organic coco coir on its own or with other potting products, including perlite, peat moss, and vermiculite.

What to Look For When Buying Organic Coco Coir

Most people buy organic coco coir for their gardens, pots, and hydroponic setups. However, with so many organic coco coir products on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs.

The best organic coco coir makers monitor their product from harvest to shipping. Since coco coir has a neutral pH, it can grow pathogens while it’s stored in bales. Quality coco coir brands understand this and avoid situations where pathogens are likely to develop. They make sure to flush salts out of their coir and have thoughtful systems controlling how their products age. They also carefully package their products so you receive them in the best condition.

Quality organic coco coir brands are transparent about their practices, so do your research. Check out the websites of leading brands and read through details of their manufacturing processes. Don’t be afraid to email the company if you have any questions. If you’re still not sure which organic coco coir brand to choose, speak to one of the salespeople at your local garden supply store. They should be able to steer you towards a superior organic coco soil.

With so many different uses and benefits, it’s little wonder that organic coco coir is becoming hot property. Expect to hear a lot more about organic coco coir for years to come.