COCO STORY

One substitute is coir, or coconut dust. When coconuts are harvested and husked, the long fibers are removed and used for such things as upholstery stuffing, rope, doormats, and brushes. The short fibers are left over and have found use in horticulture as coconut "peat."

Coco peat gardening is also used as a soil amendment, potting mix, and in hydroponic production. Potting mixture with added coco peat is suitable for indoor plants, cacti and succulents, dish gardens, terrariums and hanging baskets.

As a growing medium similar to sphagnum peat, coco peat, also called coir or coir dust, provides an alternative to potting soil featuring high water retention, suitable aeration and antifungal benefits. Also helps to keep the soil loose and airy helping in better root growth. Better root growth results in better plant growth and higher yield.

Mix in soil at 25/75 ratio. It can also be used as a mulch around garden plants to help the soil retain moisture and prevent weed growth. The germination rate is very high when seedlings are grown in mixes containing Coco peat. Coco peat is an ideal medium for all seed-raising applications. Unlike peat moss, Coco peat can re-wet very easily.

Pre composted coconut can last four years without shrinkage or compaction. Non-composted husks usually last two years. Coir that has a lower amount of fiber, containing more pulp, also has a shorter lifespan. The finer the coir, the faster it decomposes; the coarser it is, the longer it lasts.

Coco peat should not be moist when added to the composter. Layer kitchen waste daily with 3-4 handfuls of Coco peat Powder. When using Coco Brick, add 1 tsp of Compost Microbes Powder daily to speed up the process.