What Are the Benefits of Growing with Coconut Fiber?

Characteristics of Coconut Fiber

• Coir is a completely renewable and environmentally friendly product. It can be dehydrated and easily stored until needed. You can purchase it in compressed blocks or by the bag. Before using coir, it needs to be soaked. This removes any excess salts and makes the coir soft and pliable. Coconut fiber contains potassium and phosphorus, and has a near-neutral pH. These characteristics allow it to be used for growing a wide range of plants.

Coconut Fiber as Mulch

• Coconut fiber degrades slowly, so it is used as a mulch rather than a compost. Though it does supply some minerals, it is not used for nutrition. The coir is spread on top the soil in the same way as bark mulch. It is loose and enhances the exchange of air and water to the soil below. The fiber also retains moisture well, keeping plant roots hydrated.

Coconut Fiber as a Growing Medium

• Processed coconut fiber can be used instead of peat moss as an indoor growing medium. This product is called coco-peat. The organic method is preferred; with this method, the fiber is washed with water and allowed to age until it breaks down into a softer form. Some processes use detergents to clean and soften the fiber quicker, but this is not desirable for growing edible plants. A beneficial fungi called trichoderma is lost in the detergent process. Trichoderma greatly enhances nutrient uptake, and has anti-fungal properties. These characteristics can boost yields by decreasing disease organisms. Organic processes are being developed that will greatly increase the use of coco-peat in hydroponic and greenhouse applications.

Other Uses for Coconut Mulch

• Coir holds together well, and is used to create mats and blankets. There is a coir lining specifically made for hanging flower baskets. The lining holds in soil, retains moisture, and provides an anchor for plant roots. Some coir blankets help with large-scale erosion control. These mats also impede weeds on slopes. Hop growers use a twine made from coir to tie plants to support structures.