If you’re looking to grow microgreens without soil then a substitute such as coconut Coir is a great alternative growing medium. It is a byproduct of coconut harvesting and is a sustainable and renewable alternative to traditional growing mediums like peat moss. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also has several benefits for growing microgreens.
One of the most significant benefits of using coconut coir for microgreens is its water-holding capacity. It can retain moisture for longer periods, which means you don’t have to water microgreens as often. This can save you time and effort in the long run, specifically if you’re growing a bunch of microgreens.
The coconut coir soil is also pH neutral, which means it doesn’t affect the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. This makes it an excellent option for growing different types of microgreens, as you don’t have to worry about the pH level affecting the growth of your plants.
Another benefit of using coconut coir for microgreens is that the blocks are lightweight and easy to handle. This makes it easy to transport and store, and it can also be cut to size, making it perfect for small spaces like apartments or balconies.
Overall, coconut coir for growing microgreens is a fantastic option for those looking for a sustainable and low-carbon footprint alternative. It’s also practical and easy to use, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Benefits of Using Coconut Coir For Growing Microgreens?
As a sterile medium, indicating that it is free from pathogens, weed seeds, and pests, which can save you the trouble of dealing with unwanted growth in your microgreens.
It also serves as a good aerator and has good drainage, which is necessary for microgreens as it helps prevent waterlogging and root rot. Additionally, coconut coir is an excellent growing medium for microgreens as it provides adequate support for the delicate roots of microgreens, promoting healthy growth and development.
Coconut coir is very easy to use and comes in different forms such as coco peat, coir bricks, coir fiber, and coir pith, thus making it easy to suit your needs.
Here are some of the advantages of using coconut coir for microgreens:
- Excellent water retention: Coconut coir has a higher water holding capacity than soil, and it can absorb up to 10 times its weight in water. Besides, its excellent drainage ensures your microgreens stay hydrated without getting soggy.
- Exceptional aeration properties: Microgreens require a sufficient supply of water, air, and nutrients. Coconut coir facilitates these functions through its exceptional aeration capability. It provides natural aeration and ensures the roots of your microgreens receive adequate oxygen for healthy growth.
- 100% organic: Coco coir is derived from the outer layer of the coconut fruit and is 100% organic.
Disadvantages of using coconut coir for microgreens:
Fungus gnats: Fungus gnats love coco coir, but this can be largely avoided by using coco bricks.
One thing that many people may not know about growing microgreens at home with coconut coir is that it can be used as both a standalone medium or mixed with other growing mediums. When using coconut coir as a standalone medium, it should be pre-wetted before use to rehydrate it, making it easier to work with and ensuring that it has enough moisture for the microgreens to grow. When mixed with other growing mediums like vermiculite, perlite, or peat moss, the coconut coir helps to retain moisture and improves the drainage of the mixture. This can be a great option for those who want to customize the growing conditions for their microgreens.
Coconut Coir Bricks vs Coconut Coir Mats
Coconut coir bricks and coconut coir mats are both derived from coconut fibers, but they serve different purposes in gardening and landscaping. Here’s a breakdown of their differences and considerations for choosing between them:
Form and Structure:
Coconut Coir Bricks: These are compacted blocks or bricks of dried coconut coir fibers. They are usually sold in a dehydrated and compressed form. To use them, you need to rehydrate the bricks with water, and they will expand, becoming a loose, fibrous growing medium.
Coconut Coir Mats: Coir mats, on the other hand, are typically woven or pressed mats made from coconut fibers. They come in a mat or roll form and are commonly used for erosion control, landscaping, and as a weed barrier.
Application:
Coconut Coir Bricks: They are primarily used as a soil amendment or a growing medium in potting mixes. The expanded coir from the bricks is well-aerated, retains water effectively, and is a sustainable alternative to peat moss.
Coconut Coir Mats: These are often used for erosion control on slopes, in landscaping to cover soil, and as a weed suppressant. Coir mats help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil surface and promoting plant growth.
Water Retention and Drainage:
Coconut Coir Bricks: Expanded coir from bricks has good water retention properties while still providing adequate drainage. This makes it suitable for use in potting mixes, especially in combination with other soil amendments.
Coconut Coir Mats: Coir mats also retain water to some extent but are designed more for erosion control. They allow water to pass through while holding the soil in place, reducing the risk of runoff and erosion.
Environmental Impact:
Coconut Coir Bricks: Coir is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to peat moss, as it is a byproduct of coconut processing and is a renewable resource.
Coconut Coir Mats: Similarly, coir mats are eco-friendly, and their use in erosion control helps promote sustainability by preventing soil degradation.
Choice Depending on Use:
For Gardening: If you are looking for a growing medium for plants in containers or raised beds, coconut coir bricks are a better choice.
For Landscaping and Erosion Control: If your primary need is to control erosion, suppress weeds, or cover soil in landscaping projects, coconut coir mats are the more suitable option.
In summary, the better choice between coconut coir bricks and coconut coir mats depends on your specific gardening or landscaping needs. If you need a growing medium, go for coir bricks; if you need erosion control or landscaping solutions, opt for coir mats. Both options are environmentally friendly and offer unique benefits in their respective applications.
Best Grade of Coconut Coir for Microgreens
The best grade of coconut coir for microgreens depends on your specific needs. However, here are some of the best brands to use for microgreens:
- Urban Worm Coco Coir: This brand is pre-washed and ready to use. It comes in 2 1.4lb bricks with a very fine particle size.
- CANNA Coco Brick: This brand is pre-rinsed and has a fine particle size. It comes in a 40L bag once expanded
- CANNA Coco Substrate: This brand is clean and loose with a fine particle size. It comes in a 50L bag.
- FoxFarm Coco Loco Potting Mix: This brand is ready to use and contains coir and other ingredients. It comes in 2 cubic feet.
- B’Cuzz CocoFiber: This brand is loose and light with a fine to medium particle size. It comes in a 50L bag.
- Hydrofarm Grow!t Coco Coir Croutons: This brand is an alternative to clay pellets and comes in a 28L bag with large coco chips
Roots Organics Coco Chips Block: This brand is an alternative to clay pellets and comes in a 4.5kg block with coco chips and fiber.
Another thing that people may not know is that coconut coir can create a hydroponic system for growing microgreens, providing an easy and efficient way to grow microgreens in a controlled environment. When using coconut coir in a hydroponic system, it is necessary to use a pH-neutral nutrient solution to ensure optimal growth of the microgreens.
It is worth noting that when using coconut coir for microgreens, it is essential to ensure that the coir is washed and rinsed thoroughly to remove any dust or debris that may be present. This will ensure that the microgreens are grown in a clean environment, free from impurities.