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There are many different types of substrates or growing mediums to choose from when it comes to growing plants. Two of the most popular choices are coco peat and coco coir.
Coco peat and coco coir are both excellent substrates for plants. But before you can decide which one is right for you, it’s essential to understand the difference between them.
This blog post will discuss the differences between coco peat and coco coir and help you decide which one is right for you!
What Is Coco Peat?
Coco peat is made from the husks of coconuts. It’s a byproduct of the coconut industry and is usually used as a growing medium or substrate for plants. Coco peat is very versatile and can be used in various ways.
It can be used as a potting mix, added to soil to improve drainage, or even used on its own as a hydroponic growing medium. Coco peat is also famous because it’s environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Related: How to Use Coco Peat to Grow Plants and for Seed Germination?
What Is Coco Coir?
On the other hand, Coco coir is made from the fibers of coconuts. It is also known as coconut coir. It’s another byproduct of the coconut industry, and like coco peat, it’s very versatile. Coco coir can be used as a potting mix, added to soil, or used on its own as a hydroponic growing medium.
Coco coir is also environmentally friendly and sustainable. However, one of the most significant benefits of coco coir is that it’s less likely to compact than other substrates like peat moss. This means that your plants will have better drainage and aeration.
Related: How to Grow Hydroponic Plants with Coco Coir?
How Are Coco Peat and Coco Coir Different from Each Other?
Coco peat is an organic soil amendment, while Coco coir is an excellent choice for container gardening.
Coco peat and coco coir are both valuable substrates for gardening purposes. When deciding which one to use, it is crucial to consider the pros and cons of each.
Coco peat
Pros
- It offers excellent aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient availability.
- It is an environmentally friendly,
- sustainable substrate that can be used in both outdoor and indoor gardening applications.
- It’s also great for improving the structure of clay soils.
Cons
- It has a tendency to compact over time, which can reduce its effectiveness as a soil amendment.
Coco Coir
Pros
- It has superior drainage characteristics.
- It is also a sustainable substrate that can be used in both outdoor and indoor gardening applications.
- Coco coir can also be mixed with soil to help improve drainage and aeration in heavy clay soils.
Cons
- It offers less aeration or nutrient availability than coco peat, which may limit its effectiveness for certain types of plants.
Let’s check some more properties of coco peat and coco coir.
- Raw material: Coco peat (Also known as Coco pith) is made from the husks of coconuts, while coco coir is made from the fibers of coconuts.
- Drainage and aeration: Coco peat is more absorbent than coco coir and holds more water, making it better for plants that need more water. Coco coir is beneficial as it has better drainage and aeration properties.
- Cation Exchange Capacity: Coco coir is more mold-resistant and has a higher cation exchange capacity, making it better for plants that need more nutrients.
- Texture: Coco peat is light and fluffy, while coco coir is coarse and fibrous.
- Color: Coco peat is usually white or light brown, while coco coir is brown or reddish-brown.
- pH levels: Coco peat is neutral, while coco coir is slightly acidic.
How Are Coco Peat and Coco Coir Similar to Each Other?
Both coco peat and coco coir are excellent choices for various gardening applications.
- Both are a byproduct of the coconut industry.
- Both are versatile and can be used in various ways, such as a potting mix, added to soil to improve drainage, or even used on their own as a hydroponic growing medium.
- Both are popular because it’s environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Unlike other plant materials, coco coir and coco peat will maintain their structural integrity for an extended period.
- Coco coir and Coco peat can be used as a soil amendment, erosion control agent, or plant-growing medium. It is also high in carbon, making it an excellent choice for composting.
- Both can be used as mulch.
How to Make Coco Peat at Home Step by Step from Raw Coconut?
Follow the steps and instructions provided below
To make coco peat and coco coir, you will need the following:
- A sharp knife
- A cheese grater
- A blender or food processor
- A strainer
- A bucket or container to hold the finished product
Collect coconuts from a local grocery store or farmer’s market. Make sure to get unsweetened coconuts, as the sweetened variety will produce a syrup that is difficult to remove.
Remove the meat from the coconuts and set it aside for another use.
Instructions to make coco peat at home:
- Grate the coconut husks into small pieces using a cheese grater.
- Using a blender or food processor, you can cut the husks into smaller pieces before adding them to the machine. Blend or process the husks until broken down into a fibrous pulp.
- Strain the pulp through a strainer to remove any large pieces. The finished product should be a light, fluffy material that resembles peat moss. Store the coco peat in a bucket or container until you can use it.
- Making the coco peat without machine blending will make it more difficult to remove the husks from the finished product. However, this method will produce higher-quality coco peat that is less likely to compact.
Related: 5 Disadvantages of Coco Peat: What You Need to Know
Instructions to make coco coir at home:
- The fiber is separated from the rest of the coconut and then dried. Coco coir is easy to make and has many uses, including as a soil amendment and mulch.
How to Buy Coco Peat and Coco Coir?
Coco peats and coco coir come in various forms, including block/brick and plug-coins or bales.
Coco blocks and bricks are famous for growing mediums because they’re easy to store and use for small gardens with less space. The advantage of using these blocks and bricks is their ability to allow better drainage while still providing excellent root aeration, essential for healthy plant growth.
Coco plugs, also known as coins, are an easy, effective way to ensure good drainage for your plants. Coco peat discs or coco peat or coco coir are perfect for small seedlings or plants.
Click here if you are looking to buy the highest quality Coco blocks or bricks and Coco plugs.
How to Make a Coco Peat or Coco Coir Potting Mix?
Making a coco peat or coco coir potting mix is easy. You will need the following ingredients:
- Coco peat or coco coir
- Potting soil
- Compost
- Vermiculite or perlite
Measure out equal parts of coco peat, potting soil, compost, vermiculite, or perlite. Mix them in a large container until the ingredients are well combined. Store the potting mix in a sealed container until ready to use it.
To use the potting mix, moisten it before you plant your seeds or transplants. Once the plants are in the potting mix, moisten them well.
Read to know
Pros and Cons of Drip Hydroponic System
Coco Peat vs. Coco Coir: Which One Is Right for You?
In conclusion, coco peat and coco coir are both excellent substrates for gardening applications.
Coco peat offers superior aeration, moisture retention, and nutrient availability; however, it can compact over time.
On the other hand, coco coir is an ideal choice for hydroponic gardens or container gardening due to its great drainage characteristics. Still, it may be less effective in providing nutrients than coco peat.
Ultimately, you should consider your specific needs when selecting a substrate – if you need improved soil structure and aeration, go with coco peat, while if you need better drainage, opt for coco coir.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly, organic, and sustainable substrate, either coco peat or coco coir would be a good choice.
Click here if you are looking for Coco peat, Coco peat coins, or Coco coir for your garden.
Thank you for reading!
Also, read the following:
Rockwool vs. Coco Coir: Which Is the Right Choice for You?
Hydroponic Growing Mediums
How to Grow Hydroponic Carrots for an Abundant Harvest
