FAQ - Cocopeat
What is cocopeat?
Cocopeat, also known as coir, is made up of the fibre and pith that remain after the long coir fibre is extracted from the coconut husk.
It is a 100% natural organic growing medium and soil conditioner suitable for a variety of horticultural and hydroponic applications.
Where does our cocopeat come from?
Our cocopeat is sourced from carefully selected mills close to our factory in the coconut triangle region of Sri Lanka.
What are the differences between washed, unwashed and buffered cocopeat?
Unwashed cocopeat is the natural raw form of the product,
which has a higher EC level.Washed cocopeat has been washed using clean, natural spring water to lower the EC level.
Buffered cocopeat (sometimes known as treated) has been treated to reduce the Potassium and Sodium Chloride levels, and to increase the Nitrogen level. It also has a lower EC level. (please see Treated Cocopeat Qualities section)
Supplies of cocopeat
Our factory is conveniently located close to several large coir mills, which have an ample supply of high quality coir.
Does cocopeat have high salt levels?
Many people have an image of coconut palms on beaches, and cocopeat being washed in seawater lagoons. Because our factory is located inland, there is far less salt in the ground than regions closer to the coast, meaning that the cocopeat we use has a significantly lower level of Sodium Chloride. We only use fresh water to wash our coir. We also take care to treat the cocopeat when it is being used to grow plants which require a very low EC level.
How quickly does cocopeat break down?
Because cocopeat is natural, it is completely biodegradable. However, it retains its structure and absorbency for several years after planting, which means that the same coir can and is frequently used for several years. After use, it can be added to the ground as a soil conditioner without any adverse implications for the environment.
Can cocopeat be re-used?
As long as there is no contamination, cocopeat can be re-used for several crop cycles, depending on the plant requirements and the grower’s needs and preferences. We recommend flushing the coir between cycles.
Does cocopeat hold nutrients?
Cocopeat has excellent absorbent properties, meaning that it can hold nutrients very well, and release them to the plant over a prolonged period. We supply coir in its natural form with no nutrients added (except the buffered products).
Uses of cocopeat
Cocopeat is an excellent substrate for vegetable, fruit and cut flower crops. It has many applications as an effective soil conditioner and soil-free substrate. Cocopeat is ideal for potting mixes, seeding nurseries, mushroom farming, hydroponic growing, golf course construction and landscaping.
Cocopeat is used as a very effective hydroponic growing medium in grow bags (sometimes known as slabs) for a wide variety of crops including: tomato, pepper, courgette, cucumber, aubergine, strawberry, raspberry, rose, alstroemeria, anthurium, orchid, carnation, etc.