Adding Coconut Coir to Help Plants Grow
Have Happy Land
When it comes to growing plants
Give the soil more than a glance
It’s where the green begins.
Bacteria churn, earthworms squirm
A healthier dirt makes stalks firm
It’s where the green begins.
Add coconut coir and compost for sure
Spread the ground with organic manure
It’s where the green begins.
Sun, water, seeds in aerated soil
Plus some personal human toil
And finally the green begins.
©2023 Carl Scott Harker, author of
Trees and Flowers of Vincent Van Gogh |
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Coconut coir, or coco coir, is a natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts. It has gained popularity in gardening and horticulture as a sustainable alternative to peat moss and other soil amendments. Here are some key aspects of using coconut coir in gardening:
Sustainability: Coconut coir is a renewable resource, as it is a byproduct of coconut processing. The husks are usually discarded, and using coir in gardening repurposes this waste material, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Water Retention: Similar to peat moss, coconut coir has excellent water retention properties. It can hold water well while also providing good aeration to plant roots. This makes it a suitable component in potting mixes, especially for plants that require consistent moisture.
Aeration and Drainage: Coconut coir has a fibrous texture that promotes aeration in the soil. It helps prevent soil compaction and enhances drainage, creating an environment that is conducive to healthy root development.
pH Neutral: Unlike peat moss, which is naturally acidic, coconut coir is pH neutral. This makes it versatile and suitable for a broader range of plants, including those that prefer neutral to slightly acidic conditions.
Seed Starting: Coconut coir is commonly used in seed-starting mixes. Its fine texture provides a good medium for germination, and the coir’s ability to retain moisture helps keep the growing environment consistently moist for young seedlings.
Soil Amendment: Coconut coir can be used as a soil amendment in garden beds. Mixing it with garden soil helps improve soil structure, moisture retention, and aeration.
Longevity: Coconut coir tends to break down more slowly than peat moss, providing longer-lasting benefits to the soil. This characteristic contributes to the sustainability of its use in gardening.
Disease Resistance: Coconut coir has natural anti-fungal properties, which can help reduce the risk of certain soil-borne diseases.
It’s important to note that while coconut coir offers many benefits, but watch out for this problem. Some coir products may contain high levels of salts, so it’s advisable to purchase high-quality, properly rinsed or buffered coir. And remember, like any soil amendment, coconut coir is most effective when used as part of a well-balanced potting mix or soil blend tailored to the specific needs of the plants you are growing.
Good gardening practices, like using locally sourced and renewable materials, helps mitigate the ecological impact of gardening and is an important step in making your land use sustainable.
