How to Mix Coconut Coir Potting Soil
Coconut coir is the substance between the husk and the outer shell of a coconut. It is a soil amendment used much in the same way that peat moss is. Unlike peat moss, coconut coir is easily replaceable, making it a more environmentally sustainable choice. It adds aeration to the soil but absorbs moisture much better than peat moss does. Coconut coir is available at garden centers and nurseries as well as some discount stores. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place coconut coir in a 5-gallon bucket. Mist it down with water until it feels evenly moist. Let stand in the bucket to finish absorbing the water for 30 to 60 minutes.
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Mix two parts coconut coir with one part sterilized compost to create a soil mix for potted plants. Moisten the mixture a second time before planting in it.
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Mix two parts coconut coir with one part vermiculite to create soil-less potting mix. Use this for seed starting as is or add a nutrient solution for use with established plants, following label application instructions.
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Fertilize plants in coconut coir potting soil every two weeks for soil mixtures and weekly for soil-less mixtures. Use a balanced houseplant feed at half strength for young plants and full strength as detailed in the labels for mature plants.
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Tips & Warnings
Use coconut coir to line wire baskets instead of sphagnum moss. It breaks down slower and is just as attractive.
Coconut coir is available baled in most cases and not bagged. Coconut coir seed starting pots are also available and used the same as peat pots.
Coir has a high pH of 5.5 to 6.8. It is prone to becoming acidic if not fertilized properly.
