Quote:
Originally Posted by seaeagle
Really starting love Coco coir. I like the texture and it smells so natural almost like dirt.
Coconut Husks
Commonly referred to as “coir,” shredded coconut husks are widely used as additions to potting soil mixes. Larger pieces are used in soil mixes for growing orchids, medium-size pieces are included in soil mixes for growing cacti and succulents; small pieces are added to all-purpose potting soil mixes. Its ability to lighten soil mixtures, its moisture-retaining ability and its slow rate of decomposition make coir an ideal replacement for both perlite and vermiculite.
Composted Materials
Depending on the manufacturer of the indoor potting mix, composted yard wastes, cotton gin wastes, mushroom growing medium or municipal compost are used in both potting soil mixes and to improve soil in garden beds. The moisture-holding ability of composted materials, along with their irregularly sized particles, makes composted materials a viable alternative for both vermiculite and perlite.
References
I mix my homemade compost and coco coir 50-50 |
What do you use in your homemade compost?
I've been using more coir this year also. I buy the brick and rinse it over time until the water run clears. It gets rain, or the hot water from the hose so I'm not wasting any water getting rid of the salts. Some brands I like much better than others.
WonderSoil, then for the cheaper ones: General Hydroponics CocoTek, then Root Organic are my favorites.
The Canna one was loose coir, and really good, but it is a different class and price point.
There were a bunch I didn't like - I will list if anyone is interested.
What are your favorites?