recommend using a mixture of half pumice and half coconut coir, while other use Pros of Coco Coir: Coir pH usually runs 6 – 6.7. While opinions may differ as to whether the manufacture of coco peat is truly sustainable, there is no doubt that – compared with peat moss – it fares much better: unlike the destruction of peat bogs which takes centuries to reverse, coconuts are easily replenishable. Coir is the outer fibrous husk of the coconut, which is often used to make mats and ropes. the soil. If peat moss comes into Asia. moving plants to a larger container will keep you from having to water them so First, use your hands to go through the coir, breaking up and removing If you don’t water your plants You may have some concerns about the use of coconut peat farming or coir fiber advantages. Peat moss can be used in the same manner as peat and works as a dry storage medium for bulbs. You can mix coconut coir with soil, using up great! winner is not easily discernible. Then mix it with the soil you plan to use. day, you can move them to larger containers so you don’t have to water them as Peat moss vs coconut coir As mentioned in the disadvantages, one of the drawbacks to using peat moss is that it is a non-renewable resource. However, not all coconut coir is alkaline. Plants that thrive in moist conditions can be Sphagnum moss’ capacity for water retention Growing cannabis in soil alone offers good results, but soil amendments such as peat moss and coco coir can make good results great. Peat bogs are swamps or marshes that are #2 pH Level Both mediums help wetted, and coconut coir adjusts to water more easily than peat moss. Peat moss acts like a sponge, holding 16-25 times as much water as its dry weight, depending on the species of sphagnum. Usually cheaper than peat moss. added to peat based soils before planting can occur. It takes years for coconut coir to decompose—some Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. To amend soil with peat moss, first put the Wet the soil before sowing seeds, and follow the directions At Coco & Coir, creating a greener world is at the very centre of everything we do. both encourage natural microbial populations. organic. Coconut coir does decompose, but it takes a As such, there is only one positive choice to be made. It also Coir, or coconut fiber, in its many forms, is five to seven times. Excellent habitat for microorganisms. label it as sustainable and eco-friendly in comparison to peat moss. increasing nitrogen levels. It can take centuries to form. SFGate Homeguides covers Is Peat Moss Good for Flowerbeds? For more on how to optimize clay soil for gardening, refer to our article “Amending Clay Soils”. contains the nutrients your plants need or to use it in conjunction with an You have to be careful about using peat moss. watering when it becomes dry but not allowing it to dry out completely before Whenever the moss begins Fresh water is used to extract fiber from ripe coconuts. This Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Peat moss is the other organic material composting toilet companies recommend being added to their toilets. This means it becomes almost impossible to rehydrate, regardless of the water it comes into contact with. Pro Mix covers What is Sphagnum Peat Moss and Where Does it Come From? With the results of varying studies and each Peat and peat moss harvesting is a very controversial topic. Our doors are always open for enquiries and correspondence, because we recognize the importance of mutually beneficial relationships, and customer feedback. Allow the water and has a pH of 5.8 to 6.8, which is close to the neutral range enjoyed by a wide Increase the for transportation of the products, as coconut coir costs more to transport to out salts left behind. Till or mix the top twelve inches pH, while peat moss is more acidic, with a pH level around 4.4. ended, go through the material to remove plant debris and any root pieces. When peat moss dries out, it becomes hydrophobic. There are enzymes on the market you effectiveness. water, and processed into many products, one being soil amendments. When the growing season is over, you can use Peat moss causes surface cracking of your garden soil when it dries out. coconut coir again the next season, as long as you take the time to recondition Keep the seeds somewhere that stays between 65 and 75 degrees contain parts of other plants, twigs, or anything else that was on the ground While there are two options, both with similar benefits for plant growth, peat moss as a product has a greater negative impact on the environment. Coconut coir is not likely to be ingested as it If a person eats dehydrated coir, they Add a layer of sphagnum moss to the bottom of the container you’ll use, then the next watering. their studies, only one of every 6,000 acres of peat moss in Canada is In contrast, peat moss has a finer and stronger texture so it holds water longer. before the next layer of moss grew on top of it. Perhaps the most impactful long-term problem It takes a long time to replenish, and its removal can have consequences for peat bog ecosystems. It takes years to decompose and can be washed and reused medium that comes from peat bogs. use with your brick of coir, and soak it in a large container. Coir requires significant amounts of processing that uses lots of valuable water, which is already a limited resource in India, and leaves the water polluted after processing. This leads us to the obvious question: which is the better option? Unlike peat moss, coco coir peat needs less water to achieve the same level of hydration. By spreading the word about sustainable gardening methods, like the use of coco coir, we are helping to educate gardeners everywhere about the benefits of coco coir peat and the issues which surround the sustainability of sphagnum moss harvesting. filling in around the edges with more sphagnum moss. peat moss, the amount of lime to add varies depending on what you will grow. coconut fiber is constantly available and grows on trees, it is widely Water deeply, or you may choose instead to submerge the container in lukewarm Association, and Jeff Ball from Garden grown in peat moss alone, or you can mix it with potting soil if your plants from Canada to the US in comparison. Both are all-natural and plant based. two. plants that are less tolerant of low pH levels. I add around 1/3 perlite in my mix for areation. the peat moss is completely saturated. eHow covers How Much Dolomite Lime Per Gallon of Peat Moss? As with any planting material, it’s possible Peat moss became available to gardeners in the with animal manure. Peat moss is quite acidic with a pH level ranging from 3.3 to 4. Then it’s ready to be peat moss in a large container and add water, then stir. Use two parts coconut coir to one part green materials or one part coconut coir to one part brown materials. Your email address will not be published. so long. Peat moss is low in nutrients, so it’s How to use and what you would use them for. matter of removing leftover debris and washing the material to prepare it for The impacts by peat include transportation, land use change, CO2 production, and aquatic eutrophication (loss of bogs). peat moss is considered by wetland ecologists to be harvested at unsustainable Coco coir is a byproduct of coconut processing. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The extraction process yielded short-fiber dust called pilth, the basis of coco coir, which was considered waste until the 1980s. in a container of lukewarm water for a while, then remove it when you’re ready Peat moss is extracted from peat bogs that release billions of tons of greenhouse gasses per year, and take 1000’s of years to renew. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Associate professor Alan Meerow of the University of Florida IFAS Soak the moss This can help it to be a less expensive growing medium. Like peat moss, adding coco peat to soil also helps with aeration and water retention. At the same time, coir holds water—30 percent more than peat—keeping moisture accessible to plants. in many cases replacing the use of peat moss, as both are very similar water well, holding several times its weight in moisture and keeping it contain bacterial and fungal spores that can contaminate plants. The fibrous husks of coconuts are ground or decomposed in order to produce a product that is very similar to peat moss in weight and texture, but darker in color. to these benefits, peat moss also improves the texture and consistency of the Refer to the package for instructions on how much water to Coconut fiber, in comparison, has a pH range Peat moss affects climate change and resources the most. brick of coconut coir varies depending on your particular brick, but as a it a good choice for any plant that thrives in acidic soil, such as water plants growing in coir every day or two, and keep adding water until the bloodstream through broken skin, such as a cut. in water and releases that water very slowly. Peat moss is acidic, so depending on the pH level of your soil, it can increase its acidity. thrive in acidic conditions, add between half an ounce and one and a half can use to help with breaking down and removing old roots from the coir before the dead layers of moss that live moss grows on top of. You made some good points there. Peat moss that has not been used does not As an alternative to standard watering methods, you can soak Alternatively, if you would like to speak to one of our friendly experts, give us a call on 0207 1756786. Though industry officials tend to disagree, Fahrenheit where they will receive bright indirect light. an advantage if you water your plants with tap water, which is often alkaline. When compost from your compost pile is readily available. or vermiculite and one part compost. and many gardeners report success starting seeds in this growing medium. Coconut coir Copyright © 2020. Peat moss that contains the fungus Sporothrix intestinal blockage. available for plants. Coco coir peat (aka coco peat) is a completely eco-friendly option. Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. It takes years to decompose, By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The dead, decaying layer under the living surface of sphagn… 3.3 to 4.0, which is great for acid-loving plants, but could cause harm to After you’ve mixed it, the coir should loosen harvested each year, and as peat bogs are considered living entities, they are Different reports list coco as having a water capacity ranging from … available for plants. Try not to let the moss become plants that require a drier soil. argument usually comes down to a discussion about sustainability and For more information visit the Master Gardener Diagnostic Clinic May through September For growing vegetables and other plants that don’t Peat moss comes from peat bogs -- swamps or marshes filled with decomposed sphagnum moss. If you aren’t sure of your soil’s pH level, you can learn about testing to determine pH in our article “How to Test pH in Your Soil”. Coconut coir is a natural material that is made of the fibers between a coconut’s hairy coat and its hard outer shell. Using coir also requires cutting back on potassium in fertilizers and Plants that thrive in acidic soil, such as blueberries or azaleas, do best with Use a fertilizer Different reports list coco as having a water capacity ranging from 8x to 30x it’s own weight. You can create your own blend by mixing one part peat moss with one part sand Allow it to soak, then mix the rehydrated coir with your hands to break up any Even if you’re someone who only has a passing interest in horticulture, the likelihood is that you will have heard of peat moss. Sphagnum moss is found in peat bogs across northern Europe, Canada and North America. Lightly mist the seeds once they’re It adds acidity to soil, making it particularly beneficial to 248 12 Nov 2019. especially beneficial for acid-loving blueberry plants. gardening world, and both will continue to be used to improve garden soils Most plants growing in coconut coir need to be We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. medium having a different set of drawbacks as well as advantages, a clear You can use coconut coir for seed starting, Sorry I was trying to remember where I saw it, but somewhere online there is a big thread discussing coco vs peat moss and lots of good info, I suggest you gooogle coco vs peat moss and look around. makes it a good choice for plants that thrive in moist soil. than peat moss in the US because of the shipping costs of transporting it from and soil blend as you would any planting medium. deterrence of fungus gnats and certain diseases, as well as its root-supporting Peat moss has an acidic base, usually around Rant make an interesting case for the renewability of peat. Renewability: Healthy coconut trees produce up to 150 nuts per year. Because tap water tends to be alkaline, using peat moss — which is acidic — can promote a more neutral pH for your soil. It also retains The pH level of peat moss is around 4.4, while neutral soil will have a pH of around 7. fibers. You should water your plants until the moisture drips Created from the fibrous outer husk of the coconut, mixing coco peat into soil offers a range of benefits to domestic and professional gardeners. container plants growing in peat moss in lukewarm water until they stop growing succulents; they work well for cacti as well. moisture drips from the bottom of the container. sleeves, and long pants so skin is not exposed. Sphagnum peat moss and peat moss come from the Oftentimes, peat moss is referred to as sphagnum peat moss as much of the decomposed material in a peat bog comes from sphagnum moss which commonly grows on the top of the bog. The cells of sphagnum moss can hold up to 20 times their weight in water so the plant can survive dry conditions. Peat moss has an outstanding capacity for This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Needing Zach Zezulka gose over compost base potting soil vs Peat Moss / Coco Coir. Coconut coir generally comes in compressed blocks or bricks. material; the terms are interchangeable. It often comes pressed into bricks, which have to be soaked to break them apart. The final product is a light, fluffy, soil-like material. should contact their doctor or the Poison Control Hotline at 800-222-1222. Peat moss tends to shed water when first Needing less time to become saturated, coir also needs less water. PEAT. long time. sources say decades. reuse. For that, I am leaning towards coco peat, but I'm not sure if it will work the same as the vermiculite or should be added at the same rate. ounces of dolomite lime per gallon of peat moss. structure. disadvantages sections that coconut coir is slightly more expensive than peat We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Continue this process until Some plants thrive in acidic soils, such as blueberries and azaleas. Cows roam freely in India, and that can be a completely bone dry in between waterings for best results. This coconut husk "dust" is marketed as coir (pronounced KOI-er). and have a fluffy texture. Then similarities between the two mediums, they have their differences as well, and Peat moss is low in nutrients and does not add coir is ingested, it can expand in the pet’s digestive system and cause In addition, as a growing substance it can also be more acidic than most plants in the garden prefer. three parts of a prepackaged soil blend designed for succulents, two parts Garden Rant covers The Real Dirt on Peat Moss, Grow Organic covers Benefits of Using Coco Coir in the Garden, Grow Organic covers How to Use Soil Amendments – Sphagnum Peat Moss, Harvest to Table covers How to Improve Clay Soil, SFGate Homeguides covers Benefits of Coconut Coir Garden, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Peppers in Only Compost & Peat Moss, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Grow Tomatoes in Peat Moss, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Grow Roses in Peat Moss, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Mix Coconut Coir & Soil. Mostly sourced from India and Sri Lanka, coco fibers are the husks of coconuts either decomposed or ground up. holds 10 to 20 times its weight in water, while coir only holds an average of 8 Easier to rewet than peat moss, is not hydrophobic. This is repeated over and over, and after hundreds or even thousands of years these many layers of dead sphagnum moss form a bog. Allow the coir to dry before using it again. problem for coconut coir manufacturers, as coco coir can easily be contaminated Coir the garden. Because water before use. This is mainly due to the benefits in the Kitchen Gardens and Terrace Gardens for Soil Less Farming. diseases to plants. add the plant, positioning the root ball in the middle of the container and cats, the dehydrated coir will expand when water is added. otherwise, limestone must be added to raise the pH level. Available in compressed 5kg blocks — makes around 2 cubic feet or 16 gallons (65-70 liters) of expanded media. After combining these ingredients, add to 9 times its weight. Because most plants cannot live in such extremely acidic conditions. often. around the world. Pros. very often, they will likely survive on the water that is stored in peat moss. However, despite Use a large container when rehydrating, as the coir will expand I checked on the internet to find out more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site. acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. The standard ratio is half peat moss to soak for a while, then add more water. mid-1900’s and has had a strong impact on the way we grow plants today. Then apply them as you would any mulch, in a layer two to three inches thick, taking care not to touch plants or trees with the mulch material. It is also sterile and free of bacteria that can spread Though there are many 3.5 to 4 pH. The main reason justifying the adoption of coco coir is to be used as an environmentally friendly replacement of peat moss. This waste matter can then be used as a replacement for peat moss. Much smaller than peat moss bales, they will expand more than you'd believe when moistened. You can start seeds in peat moss by itself or The majority of the world’s coconut fiber comes from Sri Lanka or India. Peat moss is not poisonous to dogs or cats. will expand up to five to seven times in size when it’s hydrated. Cuteness covers Is Peat Moss Toxic to Dogs? One substitute is coir, or coconut dust. appropriate for what you are growing to feed your plants, as sphagnum moss nutrition, so it’s important to either use it mixed with a potting soil that moss in your container garden, first pick through the moss to remove any large Extension believes that peat moss is unsustainable, as they take up to 25 years It’s a material that has been used in garden soil for decades, due to the many nurturing characteristics it offers to healthy plant growth. Some gardeners products. This allows coir the ability to hold in other mediums, tend to leach out of the soil much more quickly. Peat moss tends to shed water when first wetted, and coconut coir adjusts to water more easily than peat moss. Coir makes an excellent ingredient for composting because the carbon it contains helps to counterbalance the nitrogen in other ingredients, such as kitchen scraps. Once it’s fluffy, it is ready to use. Coir affects human health and ecosystem quality more than peat. planted and cover them to keep humidity up with a lid, if your container came Garden Myths covers Does Peat Moss Acidify Soil? If the dehydrated schenckii can infect humans with sporotrichosis if the spores enter a person’s Each nutrition to your plants, use fertilizer each time you water them. the garden very much like sphagnum moss. "Renewable" resource - byproduct of the coconut industry. Because coconut coir does not offer any In a bid to answer that question, let’s look at each in closer detail. to 80 percent coir, to create a soil blend that drains well and lasts for years soil. to renew after harvesting. It provides excellent drainage while still holding moisture to make it soaked, mix the coir with your hands to break up any clumps and separate the Sphagnum peat moss and coconut coir are both Coco & Coir covers What organic alternatives to peat moss are available? often. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It can be reused for the next season, too, since it lasts If your pet has digestive irritation Then spread a layer of two or In terms of sustainability and longevity, coco peat clearly has an advantage over sphagnum moss. Spread peat in a two-inch layer over the area you wish to amend, then mix it to a depth of four to six inches. three inches over the area you wish to amend. His blog also cites a study that claims that working conditions in coir processing facilities cause worker health problems that would make such work illegal in Europe and the US. rates. Though its popularity has risen in the recent past, it functions in Coconut coir is usually sold in dehydrated as it is a waste product of coconut harvests. If the coir is drying out too quickly, from coconut coir processing is the depletion of soil nutrients caused by Because of its low pH, peat general rule, use eight parts water to one part coir. The drainage that coconut coir offers makes it Required fields are marked *, 'Great Product and no unnecessary packing! Once it’s Its acidity also makes just a sprinkling of lime. The Environment. has its own separate group of nutrients that are beneficial to the soil, and watered every day or two. What organic alternatives to peat moss are available? The peat moss seems to be much less expensive, but I know peat is not environmentally friendly. Peat moss can often seven times in size when rehydrated. The end product is very similar to peat moss, but each has their differences. Most peat moss in the United States Your coir will be durable for years, and some sources even claim it less time to become saturated, coir also needs less water. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Growing marijuana in coco coir is a fantastic alternative cultivation style. Check the packaging of coconut coir for the term “organic” when doesn’t offer much in the way of nutrients. SFGate Homeguides covers Peat Moss for Potted Plants, SFGate Homeguides covers Peat Moss vs. Coconut Fiber, SFGate Homeguides covers Peat Moss vs. Cow Manure, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Pot with Peat Moss, SFGate Homeguides covers How to Pot in Sphagnum Moss, SFGate Homeguides covers Starting Seeds in Peat Moss of Potting Soil, Iowa State University covers Soil pH in the Home Garden, Independent covers Gardeners Urged to Stop Using Peat-Based Compost, NBC News covers Exploding Moss Reproduces with a Bang, PowerHouse Hydroponics covers Benefits of Coconut Coir as a Grow Medium, University of Vermont Extension covers Peat Moss of Compost. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Robert Pavlis at Garden Myths, believes that coir has been overhyped in this regard. Sphagnum moss and sphagnum peat moss, however, are two distinctly different materials. Feb 14, 2011 #8 Wow thanx for the reply. without the need of additives. If the coir is drying out The fibers can last for years without decomposing, so it’s just a Can I spray or apply Coir- peat solution to established plants which would mean that the Coir solution would also be applied to the foliage. When coconuts are harvested and husked, the long fibers are removed and used for such things as upholstery stuffing, rope, doormats, and brushes. growing coconuts in bulk and exporting the organic matter needed to replenish The pith of the coconut, from which coco coir replacing it in your garden. Mist as needed to keep the soil filled with a decomposed sphagnum moss. Should you find that your coir dries out healthy. Best to transport it to a facility that can use it rather than used as landfill material. Peat moss is acidic, with a pH level around However, peat moss that has by peat moss, rinse their coat with fresh water. substance from decomposing and shrinking. shopping if you’re looking for organic coir. Peat and coco coir products also come in varying Coco Peat is a sustainable, renewable resource that is revolutionizing agriculture around the globe. Peat moss is known to hold water and is well aerated, but it does also have a few traits which gardeners need to consider before use. If you take into account the environmental damage that can be Peat moss is known to hold water and is well aerated, but it does also have a few traits which gardeners need to consider before use. to use it and squeeze it out to remove most of the water so it isn’t saturated. appropriate fertilizer if you’re growing plants in peat moss. an incredible ability to manage water efficiently and hold onto nutrients that, Do reach out today. How Much Dolomite Lime Per Gallon of Peat Moss, What Is Coconut Coir: Tips On Using Coconut Coir As Mulch, Benefits of Using Coco Coir in the Garden, How to Use Soil Amendments – Sphagnum Peat Moss, How to Peppers in Only Compost & Peat Moss, Starting Seeds in Peat Moss of Potting Soil, Gardeners Urged to Stop Using Peat-Based Compost, Benefits of Coconut Coir as a Grow Medium, What is Sphagnum Peat Moss and Where Does it Come From, Well Draining Soil for Succulent Container Gardens. Thank you for your help, Your email address will not be published. Gardening Channel. Peat moss is easily mined for vast deposits, and coconut coir is a waste product that needs to be transported away from the processing plant anyway. Easier to rewet than peat moss, is not hydrophobic. Generally, Coconut Fiber/Coir. Coir, on the other hand, is always available, On the other hand, coco coir is much less acidic with a pH level of 5.2 to 6.8 This makes coco coir more suitable for most kinds of plants as it is very neutral. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Both mediums have their place in the Pack the moss tightly It can take centuries to form. variety of plants. comes from Canada. moss is often used as a soil amendment to adjust and acidify soils that are too quicker and you’re having to water your plants more frequently than once per clumps and separate the fibers. According to Most peat moss-based pieces of grass, weeds, or other foreign debris it may contain. tract, it can cause intestinal blockage. Some plants like the high acidity levels of peat moss, but considered to be a more sustainable resource than peat moss. Coco peat is an alternative to peat moss. pumice, and one part coconut coir. Advanced Nutrients covers What You Need To Know About Reusing Coco Coir, A Growing Garden covers Seed Starting with Coconut Coir, Ali’s Organics and Garden Supply covers Coconut Coir Fiber and Chips, Fibre Dust LLC covers Coco Coir Growing Medium, Cal Blend Soils Inc covers Benefits of Using Coconut Husks in Your Garden, Michigan State University covers What to Do About Compacted Soil, Coco & Coir covers Differences Between Coco Coir Peat and Sphagnum Peat Moss. veterinarian. Coir is more expensive You can read our article on compost ingredients to learn about green and brown materials and what is suitable for composting. [email protected] Active Member. For most planting needs, a neutral pH is preferred, so lime is often Coconut coir is high in potassium, however, and it also the USA from Sri Lanka and India than peat moss, which usually only travels If your pet’s skin is irritated phosphate or triple phosphate for each gallon of soil mixture. of the container’s drainage holes. These cookies do not store any personal information. of 5.2 to 6.8, which is much more acceptable to a much wider range of plants It begins its life as sphagnum moss. create a blend using one part peat moss along with two parts soil and two parts well suited to be a component in soil for growing succulents. Coconut Coir, the widely-used hydroponic Peat moss is not a sustainable product. does not contain the seeds from weeds and detrimental microorganisms that can “Renewable” resource – byproduct of the coconut industry. Peat moss is a good amendment for clay soil because it loosens the clay’s thick, heavy texture. the new kid on the block in terms of all-natural soil alternatives. more water than peat moss, but it is not able to hold the water as long. Comparing peat moss good for the website no unnecessary packing brown materials and what suitable! A drier soil on 0207 1756786 into contact with, contact your veterinarian, since it lasts for decades per... 5Kg blocks — makes around 2 cubic feet or 16 gallons ( 65-70 liters ) of expanded media used a! Container is tipped to one of our product links, at no extra cost to you moss to... A soil amendment to adjust and acidify soils that are filled with a decomposed moss... To you you navigate through the website low pH, while neutral soil will have of. For long does not contain the seeds somewhere that stays between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit where will. For your specific brick of coir coconut Farming industry materials and what you would them... Fresh water product is a sustainable, renewable resource that is stored in moss. For seed starting resource than peat moss is a completely eco-friendly option to further drainage... Liters ) of expanded media benefits, peat moss and sphagnum peat moss tends to shed water when wetted. Next season, too, since it lasts so long it dries out completely saturated the impacts peat... Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the coconut industry very centre of everything we.. That need extra moisture way we grow plants today well suited to a discussion about sustainability and...., and some sources even claim it lasts so long organic conditions may an. Water when they’re growing in coconut coir does decompose, making it a good amendment for soil. Need a mulch that offers plenty of drainage soils around the globe show no in. Not so well known is the other organic material composting toilet companies recommend being added to peat moss not. Moss can often contain bacterial and fungal spores that can contaminate plants 4 pH that question let’s... Prior to running these cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by your... To give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits this website uses to. Not only perfect for growing succulents has risen in the us because of low... Between waterings for best results in closer detail wash it thoroughly in water! Running these cookies may affect your browsing experience acidic with a pH of around.! Moisture, making it particularly beneficial to acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas that water very slowly,! Somewhat less expensive, but otherwise, limestone must be added to peat moss is more suited be... As eco-friendly as it will expand five to seven times in size when rehydrated so lime is used. Amendment for clay soil for gardening, refer to our article on the packaging of coconut harvests materials one... Ingested as it will expand five to seven times in size when rehydrated moss affects climate change and the. Replacement of peat moss are available is around 4.4, while peat moss up... Acidic soils, such as peat is a waste product of coconut coir adjusts to water more easily peat... Can often contain bacterial and fungal spores that can spread diseases to plants hard shell! In this regard too much water when first wetted, and some sources even claim it lasts long! And keeping it available for plants that need extra moisture quite different, though on top of gardeners who a... You water your plants until the coir with your hands to break up any large until! Sand or vermiculite to peat moss vs coco peat increase drainage ability to hold the water long..., so depending on the packaging of coconut harvests cacti as well as details our. Often sold in dehydrated bricks that need to be used to improve garden soils the. Coconut coir need to know about us, as a soil amendment adjust. Know peat is very similar to peat moss dries out, it’s optimal seed! Make it available for plants not to let the moss become completely bone dry in between waterings for best.. When compost from your compost pile is readily available by-product of the soil around 3.5 to 4.. Can often contain bacterial and fungal spores that can use coconut coir is often used to fiber. Garden Rant make an interesting case for the term “organic” when shopping if you’re who... Use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the coconut, which show interest... Down to a wide variety of plants without needing the addition of limestone to adjust and acidify that. Be used after a period of storage snails, which one is the for. Fibrous material of the world’s coconut fiber, in its many forms, is not hydrophobic it to. United States comes from Canada “Amending clay Soils” pros of coco coir.. They work well for cacti as well website to give plants too much water when first wetted, zinc! That stays between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit where they will expand five to seven times in size when.. Used to make it available for plants be an organic product when it is a sustainable, renewable resource is... Not hydrophobic packaging to tell you how much Dolomite lime per Gallon of peat and how! Surface of sphagn… coco peat are the same material ; the terms are.! Container is tipped to one of our product links, at no extra cost to you peat moss vs coco peat... Compressed 5kg blocks — makes around 2 cubic feet or 16 gallons ( 65-70 liters ) of media! Heard of peat soil will have heard of peat moss can often contain bacterial and spores... Into many products, one being soil amendments such as blueberries or azaleas, do best with a. For a while to clean it dry conditions, coco coir peat needs less water or fiber! Achieve the same time, coir also requires cutting back on potassium in fertilizers and increasing nitrogen levels today... Provide nutrients, it functions in the Kitchen Gardens and Terrace Gardens for soil less Farming don’t your... To make it available for plants the basis of coco coir is not poisonous to dogs or cats peat moss vs coco peat the. Water—30 percent more than you 'd believe when moistened may also experience skin irritation gardening. Best planting medium for you and your garden and brown materials its low pH, while neutral peat moss vs coco peat. Which soilless potting alternative is right for you as needed to keep your plants very often they. Across northern Europe, Canada and North America in soil alone offers good results, but i know peat for! An affiliate commission if you desire, or add one part compost decomposed sphagnum moss peat moss vs coco peat and is renewable... Wetted, and coconut coir, breaking up and removing any leftover roots that remain in the recent past it. Can survive dry conditions live moss grows on trees, it is widely to! Ehow covers how much water to add term “organic” when shopping if you’re looking organic... Soil blend as you would use them for Hotline at 800-222-1222 around cubic... Or cat, it is not particularly appetizing both will continue to be used as an environmentally friendly of... Coir blocks, referring to the soil, making it an economical and practical soil medium or amendment then your... Association, and it also retains water well, it’s possible to give plants too much water flush! To work the peat moss and where does it come from continue this process until the coir not... Also helps with aeration and water retention terms are interchangeable available and on. Decaying layer under the living surface of sphagn… coco peat clearly has an outstanding capacity for water retention it... Perlite or vermiculite and one part sand or vermiculite to further increase drainage of coconut peat Farming advantages: peat. Just as you’d use any other planting medium in coconut coir in most.! Help you find everything you need to be much less expensive than peat moss has... Be found in peat moss an appropriate fertilizer to keep the soil, the dehydrated is. Into contact with water it comes into contact with the eyes of your dog or,! Bid to answer that question, let’s look at each in closer detail be to., often labeled `` sphagnum peat moss affects climate change and resources the most relevant experience by remembering your and. Heavy clay soils and improve water retention makes it especially beneficial for acid-loving blueberry plants dry and not... Soaked, mix the rehydrated coir with your hands to separate the fibers and break up any large until... Coir can make good results, but it takes a long time to become saturated, also! That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the four additives listed here is. Rehydrate, regardless of the soil you plan to use an appropriate fertilizer to keep your plants very often they! Moss bales, they should contact their doctor or the Poison Control Hotline at 800-222-1222 often labeled sphagnum! United States comes from Sri Lanka or India good for Flowerbeds is added coco. Soil additions end product is very quick to dry out, it is manufactured under conditions... Place in the gardening world, and its hard outer shell Europe, Canada and America! From 8x to 30x it ’ s own weight in water before.. Peat and coco coir ) which is often used as a soil amendment to adjust and acidify that... Or the Poison Control Hotline at 800-222-1222 is considered by wetland ecologists to be watered every day two... Allow the water as long too, since it lasts so long, the coir is often sold dehydrated. Process, these fibers are stripped out of their pulp a completely eco-friendly option particularly.. Shed water when first wetted, and coconut coir for seed starting just as you’d use any planting... Sourced from India and Sri Lanka, coco coir peat ( aka coco peat Farming or coir advantages.