What is Coir?
Coir is 100% organic and a renewable source that will replace other growing mediums such as compost containing peat. Coir is what makes up the fibrous outer husk of a coconut and can be used for all sorts of products. Coir's most common use is potting soil. One of the benefits of using coir as a potting soil is that is improves the air porosity of the soil, even when wet, which can also help with water retention.
Why Coir Over Peat Compost?
An advantage of using Coir over compost containing peat is, Coir takes longer to decompose therefore meaning it lasts longer in the soil. This is great as it is sterile and weed seed free! Peat is harvested via mining peat bogs which subsequently releases high amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which is obviously terrible for the plant and its environment. In addition to this, peat can only be extracted from the accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter over the course of thousands of years therefore making it a non renewable resource. This is why Coir is the perfect substitute as it is renewable, a natural waste product (it being used for potting soil gives it a use) and an environmentally friendly alternative.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Coir?
The fibre of Coir is one of the toughest on the planet as well as being able to go back to its original shape after being used. In addition to this it is also static-free as well as easy to clean. These quality of life factors will allow gardening to become more accessible to people whilst also having a positive impact on the environment.
It is resistant to fungi and moth which is a positive as this means it is therefore less susceptible to rotting. This ensure that any plant grown in this growing medium has more of a chance to successfully thrives and not be killed at an early stage in growth.
Coir is a very sustainable growing medium as it is biodegradable, in addition to its waste being used as a fertiliser. This means it doesn't harm the planet and instead actually benefits it by providing livelihood to other plants still yet to be grown.