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Re-using Coco Coir: Easy, Safe, and Eco-Friendly

By Hydro Experts | 23 August 2024

Re-using coco coir as a growing medium is a simple and safe practice that offers numerous benefits, including time and cost savings, as well as being environmentally friendly. High-quality coco coir stands out among other growing media due to its durability and resistance to disease, making it an excellent option for reuse.

Benefits of Re-using Coco Coir

Coco coir does not break down as quickly as other media, such as peat, allowing it to be reused multiple times before being discarded. When eventually disposed of, coco coir makes a fantastic soil amendment, enriching garden soil with its beneficial properties.

Steps for Re-using Coco Coir

Verify Salt Levels

Before replanting, it’s crucial to verify the salt levels of your coco coir. If your previous crop ended well, the salt levels should be acceptable. However, it's always wise to use the 1:1.5 extraction method, as described by CANNA COCO, to ensure optimal conditions. High salt levels can diminish crop potential.

Look for Critters

While testing your coco coir, inspect for critters. If you find an excessive number of bugs, it might be better to amend the soil directly rather than reusing the coco coir.

Avoid Seedlings or Young Cuttings

Re-used coco coir should not be used for seedlings or young cuttings, which are fragile and require a fresh, nutrient-rich medium. Save re-used coco for robust, thriving plants.

Remove the Old Root Ball

Once your crop is finished, remove the old root ball. You can use a knife or a small saw to carve out the stump. Insert the new plant and fill the gap around the root ball with fresh coco coir. The final stage of the previous crop may reduce the calcium buffer’s intensity, but this will balance out as you feed your plants.

Water Profusely and Check for Air Pockets

Water the coco coir generously with calcium-rich, coir-specific nutrients and a good rooting stimulant until run-off occurs. Check for air pockets and fill them with fresh coco if needed. This step ensures a well-balanced and aerated growing medium.

Addressing Concerns About Decaying Roots

Some growers worry about the decaying dead roots in reused coco coir. Using a quality enzyme product like CANNAZYM will decompose these roots, preventing them from becoming a food source for pathogens. This process also enhances aeration and provides essential nutrients to the plant and beneficial microorganisms in the root zone.

Reused coco coir is also excellent for amending outdoor flower beds, gardens, or any areas where the soil has become compacted. It improves aeration and water retention, rejuvenating the soil.

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