grow

What is the Grow Medium Coco Coir

DanThis Land of Ours

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A piece of coconut coir brick (used as a growing medium or soil amendment)

Cathy Isom talks grow mediums explaining to you what coco coir is and why you need it for your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.

What is Coco Coir and Why You Need It

Coco coir is an ideal grow medium because it holds water exceptionally well. It’s also easily renewable, unlike peat moss. Coco coir, derived from the coconut hull, is made from the fibrous material between the outer husk and the actual coconut.

Dendrobium Orchid seedlings plant in a nursery

Coco coir is relatively inexpensive and easy to handle.  Some of the main reasons gardeners prefer to use coco coir instead of other growing mediums — it’s hard to overwater, it aerates soil, promotes root growth, its eco friendly, contains useful micronutrients, doesn’t compact, it’s inexpensive, easy to transport, handles better than peat, and can be recycled.

Coco coir re-hydrates faster than peat. Use warm water and slowly pour it over your brick. Add a little bit of water at a time. You don’t want to over-hydrate the coco coir. It may take some time for the brick to soften up and the fibers to expand.

You may be able to buy it at your local nursery, but it’s also easy to find online.

I’m Cathy Isom…