Is coco peat good for plants?

Having a lush garden always is a plantsman’s dream. With that in mind, coco peat is the perfect material for growing healthy plants.

Its water retention ability is why people love to use coco peat. This product is also very useful in improving the soil’s physical properties. Coco coir does not have a significant nutrient value, but it can help improve the plant’s nutrient uptake. It is also beneficial for various gardening purposes—cocopeat help in creating a light and airy medium for your garden and potted plants.

Although it is an easy and effective way to improve the soil’s physical properties, many people are unsure how to use coco coir in pots. This article will give you a few extra steps to learn about this versatile planting material.

 What is coco peat?

The by-product of coconut processing is known as cocopeat, which is typically unharvested or burnt in the open. Because of its renewable status, this product is a sustainable resource.

It is an ideal growing medium for both lawn and home gardens. Cocopeat can be used for seed germination and is also beneficial for improving the soil’s aeration. It maintains the ideal nutrient levels and promotes root growth.

Benefits of coco peat

• As a soil amendment, coco peat helps improve the soil structure and provides organic matter.
• Unlike soil, which loses its nutrients due to the excess water below the root zone, coco peat can retain moisture. It also eliminates excess water by holding it around 7 to 8 times its weight.
• It helps improve the drainage and aeration of the soil by preventing nutrient leaching.
• Coco peat is a bio-degradable organic material free of pathogens and weed seeds. It has a low EC and a pH of 5.5 to 6.8, which is ideal for releasing nutrients.
• Coco peat is very eco-friendly, unlike other types of compost medium, such as peat moss. It is entirely natural and can be reused or recycled. It makes cocopeat one of the most sustainable options on the market.
• It can be cleaned and strained to re-grow plants. This method decreases the product’s carbon footprint and makes it a budget-friendly option.
• It has anti-fungal properties, which will help keep your plants healthy. It is also resistant to mold, protecting them from diseases and decay as they grow.

Although cocopeat is an excellent growing medium, its high-water holding capacity can negatively affect the air-water relationship and the root growth rate. The issue could potentially lead to low oxygen levels in the medium. More refined ingredients in the substrate mix will help improve the aeration of the medium.

Wrapping up…

When used with other organic mediums, the effect of cocopeat on plant growth rate is substantial. It has plenty of potassium and other nutrients such as iron, manganese, copper, and zinc. Coco peat should only be made up around 40% of the medium, the rest being nutrient-absorbing materials. To maintain the plant’s water requirement, you need to check and maintain the condition of the coco peat regularly.