by Matt Gibson and Erin Marissa Russell
Coconut Coir , the wide - used hydroponic grow medium , is in late years rising in popularity as a ground conditioner , in many slip replacing the purpose of peat moss , as both are very similar product . So , the motion is , which one is the best for modern gardener ? This argument usually amount down to a word about sustainability and potency .
peat moss peat moss and coconut coir are both great soil additions . Both are all - natural and plant based . Both sensitive help to break up heavy clay soils and improve body of water retention in sandy grease . Each has its own separate group of nutrient that are good to the soil , and both boost instinctive microbial population . Though there are many similarity between the two mediums , they have their dispute as well , and that ’s where we will be better able to distinguish the good option between the two .
What Is Coir?
Coir , or coconut fiber , in its many form , is the new kid on the block in term of all - natural soil option . Coco coir has long been used in hydroponic horticulture due to its urine retention and its intimidation of fungus gnats and certain diseases , as well as its root - back bodily structure . Though its popularity has risen in the recent past tense , it functions in the garden very much like sphagnum moss moss .
Coco coir is a spin-off of coconut processing . The fibrous husks of coconut are ground or break up to produce a production that is very similar to peat moss in weight and texture , but gloomy in color . The majority of the public ’s coconut fiber comes from Sri Lanka or India .
What Is Peat Moss?
Peat moss is a traditional soilless farm sensitive that comes from peat bogs . Peat bogs are swamps or marshes that are meet with a decomposed sphagnum moss . Most peat moss in the United States come from Canada . The final Cartesian product is a unaccented , fluffy , soil - similar stuff .
Peat moss became uncommitted to gardeners in the mid-1900 ’s and has had a warm impact on the direction we grow industrial plant today . It has an unbelievable ability to contend water expeditiously and hold onto nutrients that , in other mediums , tend to percolate out of the soil much more quickly . In add-on to these welfare , peat moss also improves the texture and consistency of the soil .
Advantages of Each
The pith of the coconut , from which coco coir is made , contains gamey amounts of lignin and cellulose that keep the gist from decomposing and shrinkage . This allows coir the ability to withstand more water than peat moss , but it is not able to hold the water as long . Coir has a pH of 5.8 to 6.8 , which is unaired to the neutral ambit savour by a panoptic variety of plants . This means that coir is more suited to a wide variety of plants without involve the plus of limestone to adjust the acidity story .
Peat moss soaks up to 20 time its own weight in water and releases that water very slowly . If you do n’t irrigate your plants very often , they will likely make it on the weewee that is stored in peat moss . While being acidic may be a disadvantage in cultivating many plants , it can be an reward if you water your plants with tap water , which is often alkaline . Peat moss is somewhat less expensive than coco coir .
Disadvantages of Each
Cows ramble freely in India , and that can be a trouble for coconut coir manufacturers , as coco coir can easy be contaminate with animal manure . Fresh water is used to evoke fiber from ripe coconut tree . However , if the coconuts are not fully right , they are then processed with brine , which can cause eminent salt levels in the coir . Coir is more expensive than peat moss in the US because of the shipping cost of transporting it from Asia . Using coir also require cutting back on potassium in fertilizers and increasing nitrogen tier .
Peat moss has an acid theme , usually around 3.5 to 4 pH. Some works like the high sourness levels of peat moss , but otherwise , limestone must be added to arouse the pH level . Peat moss can often carry bacterial and fungal spores that can contaminate plants . It also pull snails , which show no interest in coir .
Sustainability
Though diligence officials tend to disagree , peat moss is considered by wetland ecologists to be harvested at unsustainable rates . Associate professor Alan Meerow of the University of Florida IFAS Extension think that peat moss is unsustainable , as they take up to 25 days to renew after harvesting .
However , the Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association , and Jeff Ball fromGarden Rantmake an interesting guinea pig for the renewability of peat . According to their study , only one of every 6,000 acres of peat moss in Canada is harvested each year , and as peat peat bog are considered survive entities , they are believed to produce 70 % more peat moss than what is harvested each year .
Coir , on the other hand , is always available , as it is a waste product mathematical product of Cocos nucifera harvests . The outer chaff are removed with piss , and swear out into many products , one being soil amendment . Because coconut meat fiber is constantly available and grows on trees , it is widely debate to be a more sustainable resourcefulness than peat moss .
But not everyone believe that coir is as sustainable , nor as eco - friendly as it claims to be . Robert Pavlis atGarden Myths , believe that coir has been overhyped in this regard . Coir requires significant sum of money of processing that uses lots of valuable pee , which is already a limited resource in India , and leaves the water polluted after processing . His web log also abduce a study that claims that ferment term in coir processing facilities cause worker wellness problems that would make such work illegal in Europe and the US .
Perhaps the most impactful foresighted - terminal figure problem from coconut coir processing is the depletion of soil nutrients stimulate by mature coconut in majority and exporting the constitutional thing require to replenish the soil . If you take into account the environmental damage that can be attributed to coconut farming and coir production , it scarcely seems fair to label it as sustainable and eco - favorable in comparison to peat moss .
Cost
Though mentioned in the advantages and disadvantage part that coconut coir is slightly more expensive than peat moss , the difference in cost is minimal , and is largely due to merchant vessels price for exile of the products , as coconut coir be more to transport to the USA from Sri Lanka and India than peat moss , which usually only travels from Canada to the US in compare .
pH
Peat moss is acidic , with a pH degree around 3.3 to 4.0 , which is great for dot - loving plants , but could cause harm to plant that are less tolerant of depleted pH levels . Because of its dispirited pH , peat moss is often used as a soil amendment to aline and acidulate soils that are too alkaline . For most planting needs , a neutral pH is preferred , so calcium oxide is often add to peat base filth before planting can go on . Most peat moss - based pot soils also include lime . Coconut fiber , in comparison , has a pH range of 5.2 to 6.8 , which is much more acceptable to a much wider chain of works without the motive of additive .
Water Absorption
Peat moss run to disgorge water when first wet , and coconut coir adjusts to irrigate more easy than peat moss . Needing less time to become pure , coir also needs less body of water . However , despite reports that coir has a corking water supply belongings mental ability , sphagnum peat moss holds 10 to 20 time its weight in water , while coir only holds an average of 8 to 9 time its exercising weight . Peat and coco coir products also fall in varying texture which can affect their ability to hold water .
Which medium is better for modern
gardens?
With the outcome of varying studies and each medium having a different set of drawbacks as well as advantages , a light succeeder is not easy observable . Both mediums have their place in the horticulture human beings , and both will proceed to be used to improve garden dirt around the world . With all of the selective information in hand , only you could resolve which soilless potting option is ripe for you and your garden .
Common Questions and Answers About
Peat Moss Versus Coconut Coir
Can coconut coir be used as
mulch?
Coconut coir is a renewable imagination that makes an first-class mulch for nurseryman who need a mulch that offers peck of drainage . At the same meter , coir hold water—30 per centum more than peat — keep on wet accessible to plant . To apply coir as mulch , soften the bricks in water for at least 15 minutes in a heavy container , as they will expand up to five to seven times in size after they ’re hydrous . Then apply them as you would any mulch , in a stratum two to three inches thick , taking tutelage not to touch plant or tree with the mulch material . you may interpret more about thebenefits of using cocoa palm coir as mulchin our clause on the topic .
Can I reuse my coco coir?
When the growing time of year is over , you may expend coconut coir again the next season , as long as you take the metre to recondition it right . The fibers can last for years without decomposing , so it ’s just a matter of absent leftover dust and lave the material to train it for reuse . First , use your hands to go through the coir , breaking up and removing any remnant rootage that remain in the coir . There are enzyme on the market you can use to help with breaking down and polish off old roots from the coir before using it again if you wish . Then wash it thoroughly in distilled water supply to crimson out salts left behind . Allow the coir to dry before using it again .
Can I use coconut coir for
succulents?
The drainage that coconut coir extend makes it well suited to be a component in soil for growing succulents . Some gardeners advocate using a mixture of half pumice stone and half coco palm coir , while other use three parts of a prepackaged soil blend designed for succulent , two parts pumice stone , and one part coconut coir . These mixtures are not only double-dyed for growing succulent ; they process well for cacti as well .
Can plants grow in sphagnum moss?
Sphagnum moss ’ capacity for body of water retention make it a good choice for flora that thrive in moist dirt . To employ sphagnum moss in your container garden , first pick through the moss to remove any large piece of grass , sess , or other foreign rubble it may arrest . Soak the moss in a container of tepid water for a while , then remove it when you ’re ready to habituate it and squeeze it out to remove most of the water supply so it is n’t saturate . Add a bed of sphagnum moss to the bottom of the container you ’ll utilize , then add the flora , positioning the root ball in the centre of the container and filling in around the sharpness with more sphagnum moss . jam the moss tightly enough to keep the plant life in place when the container is tipped to one side . water supply deeply , or you may choose instead to submerge the container in halfhearted piddle and let it soak until it stops producing tune bubble . Whenever the moss start to dry out out , it ’s prison term to water the works again . try on not to permit the moss become completely off-white juiceless in between lacrimation for well answer . employ a plant food appropriate for what you are growing to feed your plant life , as sphagnum moss does n’t offer much in the way of nutrients .
Can you compost coconut coir?
Coir makes an fantabulous ingredient for composting because the carbon it contains help to counterbalance the atomic number 7 in other ingredients , such as kitchen scraps . Use two parts coconut palm coir to one part light-green materials or one part coconut coir to one part brown material . you could read our article oncompost ingredientsto determine about green and brownish cloth and what is suitable for compost .
Can you grow plants in just peat
moss?
Plants that thrive in moist shape can be grown in peat moss alone , or you’re able to mix it with potting dirt if your plant do n’t need as much moisture . Use peat moss as you would any planting soil , water when it becomes wry but not allowing it to dry out completely before the next watering . As an choice to standard watering methods , you’re able to soak container plants arise in peat moss in lukewarm water until they stop producing air bubble for a cryptical watering . Because peat moss does n’t offer much nutrition , be trusted to use an appropriate fertiliser to keep your plants tidy .
Can you mix coco coir with soil?
you could mix coconut coir with soil , using up to 80 percent coir , to create a soil blend that drains well and endure for days without decompose . Coir is often sold in brick that need to be soak in water before use . have-to doe with to the package for instructions on how much urine to apply with your brick of coir , and soak it in a large container . Coconut coir will expand up to five to seven times in size when it ’s hydrated . Once it ’s soaked , mix the coir with your hands to break up any clumps and secernate the fibers . Then combine it with the land you plan to apply . The standard proportion is half coir and half soil . you could add compost at this metre if you desire , or append one part perlite or vermiculite to further increase drain . Then use your coir and ground blending as you would any planting medium .
Can you mix peat moss with
potting soil?
Yes , peat moss makes a perfect constituent when mix your own potting soil , especially for plants that need extra moisture . you may create your own blend by mixing one part peat moss with one part sand or vermiculite and one part compost . After combine these ingredients , add half an apothecaries' ounce of pelleted limestone and a quarter of an ounce of super phosphate or triple phosphate for each gallon of soil mixture . Increase the peat moss for moisture - loving industrial plant , or add more perlite if you ’re growing plants that need a teetotal soil .
Can you over water coco coir?
As with any planting stuff , it ’s potential to give plants too much water when they ’re grow in coco palm coir . mostly , water plant growing in coir every day or two , and keep adding water until the wet drop from the bottom of the container . If the coir is dry out out before the day is up , consider moving industrial plant to a larger container that will contain more moisture , keeping the water available longer so you do n’t have to irrigate them as often .
Can you start seeds in peat moss?
Because peat moss holds moisture so well , it ’s optimal for start seeds . you could start seeds in peat moss by itself or create a blend using one part peat moss along with two parts soil and two parts sand or vermiculite . Wet the dirt before seed come , and keep abreast the directions for the seeds you have regarding how cryptic to imbed them , as different types of seeds should be planted at vary depths . Lightly cloud the come once they ’re plant and cover them to keep humidness up with a lid , if your container came along with one , or utilize a clear plastic grip . Mist as needed to keep the stain evenly moist . Keep the seeds somewhere that stays between 65 and 75 grade Fahrenheit where they will receive bright indirect lighter .
Do you water coconut coir every
day?
Most plants turn in coconut coir need to be watered every day or two . You should water your plants until the wet drip from the container ’s drain kettle of fish . If the coir is dry out out too quickly , run plants to a gravid container will keep you from having to water them so often .
Does adding peat moss make soil
acidic?
Peat moss is acidulent , so bet on the pH level of your soil , it can increase its acidulousness . The pH story of peat moss is around 4.4 , while neutral soil will have a pH of around 7 . Some industrial plant thrive in acidic soils , such as blueberries and azaleas . If your grunge is already acidic and you are n’t growing acid - bonk plants , peat moss is likely not the good planting medium for you . If you are n’t indisputable of your soil ’s pH level , you’re able to determine about screen to determine pH in our article “ How to essay pH in Your Soil ” .
Does coco coir go bad?
It takes years for coconut coir to decompose — some generator say decades . It can be reused for the next season , too , since it lasts so long . If you ’d like to reuse your coconut coir , after the acquire season has ended , go through the material to remove plant rubble and any root man . Then gazump it in half-hearted piddle for a while to scavenge it . Dry the coir before replacing it in your garden .
Does coco coir have nutrients?
Coconut coir does not provide plants with much nutrition , so it ’s important to either use it blend with a potting soil that carry the nutrients your plants need or to use it in concurrence with an appropriate fertilizer . Coconut coir is high in K , however , and it also hold manganese , copper , smoothing iron , and zinc .
Does coconut coir decompose?
Coconut coir does decompose , but it takes a long time . Your coir will be durable for years , and some beginning even claim it lasts for decades . It can also be wash and reuse season after time of year .
Does peat moss add nitrogen to
soil?
Peat moss is low in nutrients and does not add together atomic number 7 to territory .
Does peat moss go bad?
Peat moss that has not been used does not expire and can be used after a period of store . However , peat moss that has been used may have slenderize power to retain piddle as well as slim acidity .
Does peat moss have any nutrients?
Peat moss is low in nutrient , so it ’s important to either commingle it with nutrient - rich potting soil or utilize an appropriate fertiliser if you ’re growing plant in peat moss .
How do you amend soil with peat
moss?
To amend soil with peat moss , first put the peat moss in a large container and add piddle , then stir . Allow the water system and peat moss to soak for a while , then summate more water supply . cover this mental process until the peat moss is totally saturated . When you hug a handful of the peat moss , a drop or two of water should total out , but you do n’t desire it so wet that a stream of water supply escapes when it ’s contract . Then spread a layer of two or three inches over the area you bid to amend . Till or shuffle the top twelve inches of soil to work the peat moss through your garden ’s topsoil .
How do you rehydrate coconut
coir?
Coconut coir is usually sold in dehydrated brick that you must rehydrate before the coir is ready to employ in your garden . Use a large container to rehydrate your coconut coir , as it will expand five to seven times in size when rehydrated . Refer to the instructions on the packaging to tell you how much weewee needs to be added for your specific brick of coir . Allow it to soak , then fuse the rehydrated coir with your manus to break up any clumps and separate the fibre . After you ’ve mixed it , the coir should loosen and have a fluffy texture . Once it ’s fluffy , it is ready to habituate .
How much lime do I add to peat
moss?
When using bitter spar lime to raise the pH of peat moss , the amount of lime tree to tote up varies depending on what you will grow . Plants that boom in acidic soil , such as blueberry bush or azaleas , do well with just a sprinkling of linden . For growing vegetable and other industrial plant that do n’t thrive in acid condition , add up between half an apothecaries' ounce and one and a half Panthera uncia of dolomite lime per gallon of peat moss .
How much water do I add to coir
bricks?
The amount of water you ’ll need to rehydrate a brick of coconut meat coir vary depend on your particular brick , but as a general rule , use eight share water to one part coir .
How often do you feed in coco?
Because coconut coir does not offer any nutrition to your plant , practice fertilizer each fourth dimension you irrigate them .
How often should I water plants
in coconut coir?
Most plants growing in coconut coir take to be water every sidereal day or two . You should water your plant until moisture drips out of the container ’s drain holes . Should you obtain that your coir dry out quicker and you ’re sustain to water your plants more oftentimes than once per sidereal day , you could move them to turgid container so you do n’t have to water them as often .
Is coco peat the same as coir?
Coconut coir and coco peat are the same material ; the terms are standardised .
Is coconut coir organic?
Coconut coir can be an constituent product when it is manufacture under organic conditions . However , not all cocoanut coir is organic . turn back the packaging of coconut coir for the full term “ organic ” when shop if you ’re looking for constitutive coir .
Is coconut coir flammable?
Coconut coir is not flammable .
Is coconut coir good for seed
starting?
you’re able to use coco coir for seed starting , and many nurseryman report winner set forth seeded player in this growing sensitive . Rehydrate your coir blocks , refer to the packaging to make up one’s mind how much water supply to add . Use a large container when rehydrating , as the coir will expand five to seven times . Mix it with your hands to separate the fiber and demote up any orotund clumps until the coir is flossy in texture . Then it ’s ready to be used for seed commence just as you ’d use any other planting culture medium .
Is coconut coir toxic to dogs or cats?
While Cocos nucifera coir is not poisonous to frump or CT , the dehydrated coir will dilate when pee is total . If the dehydrated coir is ingested , it can expound in the pet ’s digestive system and make enteric block . If your positron emission tomography has consumed dehydrated coir , contact your veterinarian .
Is coconut coir toxic to humans?
Coconut coir is not likely to be take in as it is not especially appetising . However , should dehydrate coir be eat on , it will inflate when H2O is impart , and if this expansion hap in the digestive parcel , it can cause enteric blockage . If a individual eat dehydrated coir , they should contact their doc or the Poison Control Hotline at 800 - 222 - 1222 .
Is peat moss good for clay soil?
Peat moss is a good amendment for Lucius Clay soil because it loosen the clay ’s stocky , heavy grain . Spread peat in a two - inch layer over the field you bid to remediate , then mix it to a depth of four to six inches . For more on how to optimize clay soil for horticulture , refer to our clause “ amend Clay Soils ” .
Is peat moss good for blueberry bushes?
The acidulousness peat moss add to stain reach it especially beneficial for acid - love blueberry bush plant life .
Is peat moss toxic to dogs or cats?
Peat moss is not vicious to dogs or cats . However , if pets consume peat moss , they may stand gastrointestinal irritation , admit nausea , diarrhea , or throw up . If your pet has digestive irritation after take in peat moss , contact your veterinarian . If dearie rove in peat moss , they may also know cutis vexation . If your darling ’s tegument is miffed by peat moss , wash their coating with fresh water . If peat moss come into contact with the oculus of your dog or cat , it can also cause provocation . Should this occur , take for one heart open at a time , and rinse your pet ’s eyes out with reinvigorated water , saline solution , or pet eye wash . proceed until they have been rinsed out well . If eye innervation continues , consult your veterinary .
Is peat moss toxic to humans?
Peat moss that contains the fungus Sporothrix schenckii can infect humans with sporotrichosis if the spores enter a mortal ’s blood stream through impoverished tegument , such as a cut . When using peat moss , gardener should shorten the risk of contracting sporotrichosis by wearing baseball glove , long sleeves , and long trouser so tegument is not exposed .
Is there a difference between
peat moss and sphagnum peat moss?
Sphagnum peat moss and peat moss come from the same industrial plant , but sphagnum moss is made of the dried works , which may be milled to foreshorten the fibers . Peat moss that is not labeled bog moss moss is made of the dead layers of moss that live moss grows on top of . As such , peat moss may moderate parts of other plant life , twigs , or anything else that was on the ground before the next layer of moss grew on top of it . peat moss moss has a inert pH , while peat moss is more acidulent , with a pH level around 4.4 .
What are the advantages of coir?
Coconut coir has many advantages in gardening . It provides excellent drain while still holding moisture to make it available for plants . It takes years to decompose and can be washed and reused time of year after season . It is also sterile and free of bacterium that can spread disease to plant .
What are the benefits and
advantages of peat moss?
Peat moss has many benefits and advantage in the garden . It add acidity to filth , make it particularly beneficial to acid - loving plant like blueberry and azaleas . It take years to decompose , making it an economic and hardheaded soil medium or amendment . It also retains water well , keep several times its weighting in moisture and keeping it available for plants . Although peat moss does not ply nutrient , it retains nutrient from fertiliser well so plants have prosperous access to them . It also does not hold the seed from green goddess and detrimental microorganisms that can be found in some composts .
What grows well in peat moss?
Peat moss has an outstanding capacity for hold wet , making it optimum for come start . Its acidity also pee it a unspoilt choice for any works that thrives in acidic soil , such as blueberry , azalea , or camellias .
What is coconut coir made of?
Coconut coir is a innate material that is made of the fibers between a coconut ’s hairy coating and its hard outer carapace .
Want to learn more about Peat Moss Versus Coco Coir?
Advanced Nutrients coversWhat You Need To acknowledge About Reusing Coco Coir
A produce Garden coversSeed part with Coconut Coir
Ali ’s Organics and Garden Supply coversCoconut Coir Fiber and Chips
fiber Dust LLC coversCoco Coir Growing Medium
Britannica coversCoir
Cal Blend Soils Inc coversBenefits of Using Coconut Husks in Your Garden
Michigan State University coversWhat to Do About Compacted Soil
Coco & Coir coversDifferences Between Coco Coir Peat and Sphagnum Peat Moss
Coco & Coir coversWhat constitutive alternatives to peat moss are available ?
Coco & Coir coversWatering Coco Coir
Coloradoan coversTopsoil vs. Potting Soil
Cuteness coversIs Peat Moss Toxic to Dogs ?
Ecopeat coversWhat Is Cocopeat ?
eHow coversHow Much Dolomite Lime Per Gallon of Peat Moss ?
Epic Gardening coversCoconut Coir
come Creek Nursery coversHow to Grow Blueberries
Fertile Fibre coversCoir Bricks
Fine Gardening coversGetting to the Coir of the Matter
horticulture sleep with How coversPeat Moss and horticulture
Gardening Know How coversWhat Is Coconut Coir : Tips On Using Coconut Coir As Mulch
Garden Myths coversDoes Peat Moss Acidify Soil ?
Garden Rant coversThe Real Dirt on Peat Moss
Grow Organic coversBenefits of Using Coco Coir in the Garden
Grow Organic coversHow to Use Soil Amendments – Sphagnum Peat Moss
reap to Table coversHow to Improve Clay Soil
SFGate Homeguides coversBenefits of Coconut Coir Garden
SFGate Homeguides coversHow to Peppers in Only Compost & Peat Moss
SFGate Homeguides coversHow to acquire Tomatoes in Peat Moss
SFGate Homeguides coversHow to Grow Roses in Peat Moss
SFGate Homeguides coversHow to Mix Coconut Coir & Soil
SFGate Homeguides coversIs Peat Moss Good for Flowerbeds ?
SFGate Homeguides coversPeat Moss for Potted industrial plant
SFGate Homeguides coversPeat Moss vs. Coconut Fiber
SFGate Homeguides coversPeat Moss vs. moo-cow Manure
SFGate Homeguides coversHow to Pot with Peat Moss
SFGate Homeguides coversHow to Pot in Sphagnum Moss
SFGate Homeguides coversStarting Seeds in Peat Moss of Potting Soil
Iowa State University coversSoil pH in the Home Garden
Independent coversGardeners Urged to Stop Using Peat - Based Compost
NBC News coversExploding Moss Reproduces with a Bang
Plant Care Today coversCoconut Coir
Planet Natural coversPeat vs Coir
PowerHouse Hydroponics coversBenefits of Coconut Coir as a Grow Medium
University of Vermont Extension coversPeat Moss of Compost
Pro Mix coversWhat is Sphagnum Peat Moss and Where Does it Come From ?
St. Augustine Orchid Society coversThe Mystery of Sphagnum Moss
Succulents and Sunshine coversWell Draining Soil for Succulent Container Gardens
Sunday Gardener coversPeat Moss : Benefits and Disadvantages
The Ecologist coversThe true statement About Peat Moss
The Garden of Oz coversThe Perils of Peat Moss
The Succulent Eclectic coversBest Succulent Soil
Thriving Yard coversDoes Peat Moss Expire
Youtube coversHow to Rehydrate a Coco Fiber Brick
