Coconut coir growing medium
comes from the coconut's fibrous husk (known as coir) that is bound
together by lignin (known as pith). After the husk is immersed in
water for 6 weeks, the fiber is extracted mechanically, and the pith
is left behind as a waste product and stored in heaps to age. Since
the pith comes from the fruit, it is quite naturally rich in
nutrients. Coconut coir growing mediums are dehydrated and compressed
into a compact form for easy handling. With the addition of water,
coir expands to an easy to work with growing medium. The addition of
water increases the volume 3 to 9 times, depending on the packaging of
products. This process results in a 100% organic, biodegradable
growing medium, making it a natural and safe growth medium of choice
for growers.
NEW at Mary's Heirloom Seeds:1.5 pounds compressed brick
Add water to increase volume 3 to 9 times!
Coconut Coir bricks ship out after April 18th
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-Unlike peat moss, which is highly acidic, coconut coir has a neutral
pH level. Most garden vegetables and flowers grow best in neutral to
slightly alkaline conditions. When you use peat to amend a garden bed,
an addition of agricultural lime is often necessary to combat the higher
acidity. With coconut coir, limestone isn't necessary unless the soil
naturally has a higher pH level. Coir use results in both a monetary
and a labor savings, since you don't need to purchase further pH
amendments nor work them into the soil.
-Coir
improves soil drainage in the bed while also helping to retain
moisture in quick-draining soils. Since coir breaks down slowly, much
like peat, it creates air pockets in the soil that allow excess moisture
to drain away from plant roots. The coir itself holds onto some
moisture so the drainage doesn't occur too quickly and the soil doesn't
dry out completely. These dual drainage and retention properties allow
coir to improve moisture management in both heavy clay soils and dry,
sandy beds.
-Peat moss, which coir replaces as a soil
amendment, takes centuries to regrow once harvested. Coir is completely
sustainable since it is a natural byproduct of coconut harvests, and
coconut trees produce new coconuts every year. Using the coir in the
garden keeps it out of the landfill where it would otherwise go. Coir
can take a century or longer to fully break down in these landfills, so
it's more sustainable to use it to improve your garden soil.
If you have additional questions about getting started or would like
more info please feel free to ask. As always, I am happy to help.
Sounds like some good stuff! I hope you'll come share this outdoor post on this week's Maple Hill Hop!
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