Can I Put Coir Under the Soil?

Form and Composition

• Find coir at nurseries and garden centers in large bales or compressed bricks. Moisten the bricks before adding them to the soil to expand them. Coir costs about the same as peat and has a similar rough, coarse texture.

Benefits

• Coir does not add nutrients to the soil, but does improve soil's texture -- lightening it and improving drainage. Coir holds moisture well, decomposes slowly and does not become compacted.

Uses

• For best results, combine coir with nutrient-rich organic amendments, such as compost or manure. For new gardens, lay 3 to 4 inches of compost, manure and coir, in equal amounts, on the soil. Till the amendments to a depth of 8 inches, thoroughly incorporating it into the soil, rather than placing it under the soil.

Considerations

• Coir does not replace fertilizers in the soil, and may actually take nitrogen from the soil initially. Add a balanced fertilizer to the soil when using coir to prevent nutrient deficiencies, along with manure, compost or blood meal.