With its versatility and texture, how to reuse coco coir becomes essential. A lot of benefits can be found beyond the regular coconut, even down to its very fiber.
Coconut fiber, also known as coco coir, is the natural fiber taken from a coconut’s outer husk. The subtle beauty of this textile fiber is used in many floor mats, doormats, and mattresses of today.
However, aside from being a handy textile material, how can you enjoy its natural benefits more? Stick around to find out how you can turn your coco coir trash into coco coir treasure.
Myths and Misconceptions
Before knowing how to reuse your coco coir, you have to know that there are numerous myths and misconceptions about it. Knowing the truth from the myths can help you maximize the benefits of your fiber worry-free.
Myth #1: All coco coir is the same
This one is fairly simple to debunk, but before you consider reusing coir, there are three important factors you need to know: nutrient-retention, structure, and pathogen-history.
Basically, nutrient retention dictates how long the coir can last in contact with water and other chemicals. On the other hand, the structure will tell you if it’s capable of holding a huge amount of soil or water.
Lastly, pathogen history tells you the coir’s overall condition. You have to know that not all coco coir is of the same quality. Therefore, treating each of them differently is key in getting the perfect reusable coir.
Myth #2: Coco coir is toxic
There has been a circulating article online stating that the organic features of unused coco coir poison soil and other organic matter. The report says that due to the coir’s rapid decay, it tends to exhibit toxic residue.
However, although coco coir is an inert growing substance, it’s far from toxic. In fact, coco coir is safer to reuse that other hydroponic growing medium like peat moss since it’s less acidic.
How to Reuse Coco Coir
Variety is one of coco coir’s biggest assets since it can be reused in many different ways. From being used as mulch to being used as a natural soil oxygenator, here are some helpful ways to reuse yours.
Going green
Coco coir has been famously used as a spongy and soilless growing medium that can be added to your soil to enhance its qualities. Using coco coir as peat, the applied soil will then have much better drainage and aeration.
Besides improving overall soil condition, coco coir can support root growth since it helps the seed grow hydroponically.
To prepare your coco peat, the first step should be taking out the dead cellulose found in the root matter. You can do this by sifting it through a .635 soil sieve to discard the finer roots moving up to the larger ones.
After that, enzyme products can be applied to clean up some residual material. It’s very important not to leave dead roots in your coir since it can restrict its oxygen-rich environment. After that, simply wash it in water to bring back its original nutrient levels.
Coco fiber bricks
You’ve heard about coco coir’s amazing application in the garden, but are you ready to use them to create air pockets? Coco bricks are made from practical ground coir compressed into a brick.
The science behind this is that the husks are removed from the coconuts and then soaked to loosen the fibers. After that, they’re removed from the water to be dried up for up to a year.
After the lengthy drying process, the fibers are processed and then chopped and compressed to make them ready for use. Its applications are limitless, from being used to create air pockets for plant roots to improve the soil’s water retention.
Aside from a popular soil-like mixture, these bricks can be served as a container in gardening with its added benefits of built-in organic composting.
Reasons Why You Should Try Using a Greenhouse for Your Plants
There are several reasons why you should grow your plants in a semipro greenhouse, and here are some of them:
Grow plants all season
A greenhouse allows you to grow plants all season regardless of the weather. You have control over the temperature, humidity levels, and insulation, allowing you to plant earlier or later than usual.
Prevent pests and animals from damaging your crops
Deer, moles, birds, insects, and other predators would love to attack and munch on your plants. A greenhouse is a great way to protect your plants from animals and insects. Additionally, placing them inside a greenhouse eliminates the need for toxic insecticides and pesticides to ward off pesky critters.
More plant choices
Been wanting to grow exotic plants in your backyard? With a greenhouse, you’ll be able to! This enclosed space provides a warmer and humid environment for your plants, allowing you to plant warm-season plants and exotic plants in your garden.
Final Thoughts on How to Reuse Coco Coir
There are multiple ways on how to reuse coco coir, and now that you know a few, you’ll be able to save money on your next harvest without sacrificing the quality of your plants.