Coir is also slightly alkaline, with a pH of 5.8–6.8. This
reduces the need to use dolomite lime to neutralize acidic
soil in the garden. The pH is ideal for release of its nutrients
to roots. Coir is rich in potassium and micronutrients, includ-
ing iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. The high potassium
content means that a gardener could use a fertilizer lower
in potassium and still get good results. The other nutrients
are a bonus; kind of like adding a vitamin pill to their diet.
Because the pH of coir is more neutral than that of peat,
some gardeners may find that coir does not work as well for
acid-loving plants, such as azaleas and blueberries.
“COIR IS RICH in potassium and
micronutrients, including iron,
manganese, zinc, and copper.”
Coir can also be far more user-friendly than peat moss
or stone wool. Stone wool, which was used for insulation
before the creation of fiberglass batts or rigid foams, can
lead to tiny particles getting into growers’ eyes, mouths,
noses, and lungs if proper protection isn’t worn. It also
requires a lot of energy to produce and take a long time to
degrade whe n trashed. Peat moss is healthier, but mining
peat disrupts wetland bog environments. As mentioned
above, coir, on the other hand, is renewable.
Before use, compressed coir bricks must be soaked in a big
container as they expand five to seven times in volume. An
11-pound block, rock hard and impossible to cut, turns into
just under 16 gallons of fiber. A knee-high bucket per block
works well, and a child’s inflatable wading pool is perfect for
large bales. Soak the bricks for an hour, or overnight, then
pull and tease it apart. Any coir you don’t use will retain its
properties for many years, so just store it in a dry place.
Of course, coir is not perfect for all growing purposes. It tends
to build up salt levels over time, so try to find coir labeled as
“low-salt.” Also, if substituting coir for another amendment,
be aware of the differences if produces. You might also need
to increase nitrogen and decrease potassium when fertilizing.
Still, don’t hesitate to try coir. It’s low cost, good for the
environment, and can solve some grow media issues.
grow cycle
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