The Coco peats are one of the growth mediums for the plants, derived from the husks of the coconuts used in indoor gardening and hydroponics. Depending on users, these are available in various forms, such as coir discs, coco peat blocks, bags, etc.
The coco peat blocks are made by compressing the coco peats into brick-like structures, available in various sizes. This formation is used for easier transportation.
We all know that the world is changing towards new and alternative sources from conventional sources, which should have lesser consumption with more outcomes.
Likewise, coco peats are the alternative growing medium for plants, especially in indoor gardening. So, let’s briefly discuss the tips for using the coco peat blocks for gardening.
Why should you use coco peat blocks for gardening?
Coco peat blocks can hold the water, so the plants get more water and nutrients. They can be mixed with the soil or can be used directly. As they have more pores, the plants can easily absorb nutrients to stay healthy.
Why coco peat blocks rather than conventional soil?
Coco peat blocks have been used in horticulture since 1980 as they have antifungal properties and water level management. These coco peats have more advantages over the conventional soil.
● They are capable of water level management
● They are more porous
● They enhance aeration for proper nutrition for plants
● They will balance suitable conductivity
● The coco peats are more eco-friendly
● For Seed Starting
● Removal of excess pH content from the coco peats
Best tips on using coco peat block for gardening purposes
The coco peats are widely used in indoor gardening, a better alternative to conventional soil and compact. There are specific tips for using the coco peat blocks for gardening purposes.
Pour water on the blocks to expand
Open the coco peat block from the packing cover and place it in a tray. After that, pour the water onto the coco peat block and allow it to absorb the water contents. This process will take around 15-20 minutes.
The particles inside the coco peat block will become loosened and then start to expand. More the size of the block, more the amount of expansion,
Break the expanded coco peat blocks and place them in the pot
After the expansion of the coco peat block, they will become softer. So, it will be easier to break the coco peat blocks or graze them from the tray after ten minutes. Place these expanded coco peat blocks onto the pots and mix them with the soil already in them.
Mixing the coco peats with the soil in proper proportion will work for all the plants, whether indoors or outdoors. Also, pouring and squeezing the water into the coco peat will prevent root rot.
What to do if the plants are already growing in the pot?
No need to worry if the plants are growing already in the pot. Just loosen the existing soil to add more space, add the coco peat mix to the top of the soil, and mix with it properly.
The prominent advantage of the coco peat with the soil is that this mixture has enough capacity to withhold the water level, giving the plants proper nutrition so that you don’t need to water the plants often.
Stress-free Summer
During summer, you don’t have to worry about what happens if the plants get dried. The coco peat blocks have a water retention capacity so they will have a lot of water. These coco peat blocks do not have nutrition and are resistant to fungi. They have more drainage properties. They are devoid of soil-borne diseases. So, this coco peat block will give air pockets for better absorption.
Hence, the roots of the plants will absorb the nutrients better, and the plants will remain healthier.
For Seed Starting
Coco peats are also used for seed germinating processes. The seeds in this medium will grow with more nutrients and stay healthier as the coco peat medium is porous and contains more pockets. Once these coco peats have germinated, these plants or the saplings can be transplanted into regular or more significant plants.
The coco peats do not have their nutrition; they will have more pores and holes for the roots of the plants to absorb the
Removal of excess pH content from the coco peat block
If the pH level and salt level of the coco peats are increasing to the excess level than the regular, there is a solution for that, too. Soak the coco peat in the water for more time, then flush the excess water in the soil and blend the coco peat for some minutes so the excess pH and salt contents will be washed away.
Addition of coco peat with proper proportion
You can grow the plants directly to the coco peat or mix them with the soil in the correct proportion to obtain healthy nutrients for the plants. The plants will grow healthier if they are grown without any soil.
When to use coco peat blocks after rinsing?
The coco peats can be used immediately after rinsing or made to be dried for two days and then can be used when they are necessary.
Easily portable
The pots filled with the coco peats weigh less than those with conventional soil. The coco peat blocks have more water contents with lesser coir contents. Hence, this can be easily transferred from one place to another as it is portable.
Used as a growth medium for cut plants
The coco peats are also used as a rooting medium, which means growing the cut plants with roots healthily to become good plants. Thus, there will be a significant change for the plants with total growth.
People Also Ask
i) How to define the moisture content of the Coco peat ?
The moisture content of the dried coco peats should be around 15-20%. This moisture content will be useful for the compression of the coco peats turning into blocks.
ii) How long can coco peat hold nutrients?
The cocopeat has retention capabilities. Hence, they will hold more nutrients for a long time. So, this will be more beneficial for plants to grow healthier.
iii) What if the coco peat blocks have higher salt levels?
If the coco peat blocks have higher salt levels, they can be soaked for some more time and then rinsed adequately. Thus, the excess level of salt content is washed away.
iv) Are coco peat blocks biodegradable?
The coco peats are natural products extracted from the coconut husks. Hence, they are environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
End thoughts
The healthier and better alternative for the plants growing medium will nourish your plants and make them even more robust. These coco peat blocks are emerging as one of the wealthiest and most affordable plant resources.
With 40 years of experience, SPM Substrates is one of the leading Cocopeat Block Exporters In India. We have a dedicated in-house coconut grove, so we assure you that our coco products are fresh and genuine. Since our products are chosen mainly, they will meet international standards to yield healthier products worldwide.