How to Plant in Coco Moss
Coco moss, or coconut coir, comes from the husks of coconuts. It is a sustainable alternative to peat moss in gardening, since peat takes many centuries to regrow after being harvested. It has the same properties as peat moss, including the ability to hold water without becoming soggy and the sterile properties that peat is prized for. Coco moss is more sterile than peat because it doesn't contain sticks or weed seeds. Use coco moss as you would peat in gardening. You can buy it from garden centers. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Mix 1 part coco moss, 1 part sterile compost and 1 part sand. Fill a pot with the coco moss mixture.
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Water the coco moss mix until it drains into the bottom tray. Empty the tray of excess water after 30 minutes so the coco moss has time to absorb the water.
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Sow seeds on top of the potting mix, then cover with a 1/4- to 1-inch layer of powdered coco moss. Sprinkle with water to moisten it. Coco moss is fine enough for sprouts to easily penetrate it.
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Sow seedlings and plant transplants in coco moss mix to the same depth they were planted in their last pot. Water until it drips from the bottom of the pot to make sure that any air pockets around the roots collapse.
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Fertilize seedlings once they produce their second set of leaves, about two weeks after sprouting, with a half strength liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Fertilize adult plants with a slow-release houseplant fertilizer every two months, following label directions for application amounts.
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Tips & Warnings
Till in a 1- to 2-inch layer of coco moss powder over poorly draining garden beds to improve drainage while maintaining moisture.
Line wire planting baskets with coco moss mats instead of sphagnum moss liners.
Coco moss is more expensive than peat moss but lasts two to four times longer than peat.
Coco moss planting mixes are nearly sterile, except for the nutrients in the compost. Stick to a regular fertilization schedule to avoid nutrient starvation in your plants.
