Cocopeat
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Sphagnum peat moss
SPHAGNUM PEAT MOSS
Sphagnum moss is found in peat bogs across northern Europe, Canada and North America. It can take centuries to form. Peat moss is known to hold water and is well aerated, but it does also have a few traits which gardeners need to consider before use.
Peat moss is not a sustainable product. It takes a long time to replenish, and its removal can have consequences for peat bog ecosystems. In addition, as a growing substance it can also be more acidic than most plants in the garden prefer. It also doesn’t have a long shelf life. When peat moss dries out, it becomes hydrophobic. This means it becomes almost impossible to rehydrate, regardless of the water it comes into contact with.
COCOPEAT
Coco coir peat (aka coco peat) is a completely eco-friendly option. It makes use of the fibrous material of the coconut (coco coir) which is a natural by-product of the coconut farming industry. If they are not reused, coconut husks simply end up going to landfill. The choice to manufacture coco peat is therefore good for the environment and an economic benefit.
Like peat moss, adding coco peat to soil also helps with aeration and water retention. Unlike peat moss, coco coir peat needs less water to achieve the same level of hydration. In addition, coco peat is not spoiled after use – it’s possible to wash and reuse coco peat once a gardening project has come to an end and the soil is no longer needed.
While opinions may differ as to whether the manufacture of coco peat is truly sustainable, there is no doubt that – compared with peat moss – it fares much better: unlike the destruction of peat bogs which takes centuries to reverse, coconuts are easily replenishable.
HOW TO YOUR RECYCLE COCO COIR
If you plan to stretch the life of your coco coir supply, it is probably best to use what you have with the intent to reuse in mind from the outset. Mixing coir with another substrate will reduce the amount of coir being used at any one time, meaning more can be kept in reserve – providing the gardener with value for money, and giving the plant an opportunity to grow in an environment that isn’t completely bereft of nutrients.
