Coir Usage
So that you can get the greatest benefits from using our Coir products we have collated some of the most commonly asked question about how to best use Coir. Please select a question from the drop down below.
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We are happy to answer any question that we have missed.
Usage Questions
Question
Answer
I am using potting mix and seem to be getting a migration of fine material to the bottom and top of my pots. Will adding coir assist?
I have heard mixing coir into potting mixes gives better root and foliage development
Can I mix bark and coir together as a mix?
Can you put the coir Gro Bags straight onto the floor?
What is the easiest way to hydrate Coir?
Do you need to sterilise or steam the Gro Bag if using for a second season?
Yes, coir is a great additive to potting soils as it tends to bind the mix giving consistency with your drainage and water holding.
Yes coir is great in a potting mix as it increases water holding and aeration in the mix. Coir holds on to the fertiliser to make available for the plant.
Yes you can, although it depends on what plant type to what grades you should use. Coarse bark products such as Orchiata have the ability to last a good deal of time in the pot. Once you add a wetter medium to it e.g. coir or sphagnum moss this changes the bark substrate ability to last as long. This is fine but you must remember to check the substrate regularly and do not over water. Replace if the bark is beginning to break down.
The coir must not sit in any runoff where it could take the moisture back into the Gro Bag. Most growers have plastic sheeting with polystyrene slabs under the Gro Bags to slightly raise them for optimal runoff. With the water distribution being very homogenous throughout the Gro Bag, you do not need flat floors. Ensure the drainage slits are cut at the lowest point in the Gro Bag.
Bulk - For maximum yield of a bale of coir immerse the bales in water at a rate of 8 litres per kilo. This will hydrate in a very short time, however, allow time for the bale to completely absorb the water. Once hydrated drain off the surplus water.
Gro Bag - Lay out the plastic floor covering and position Gro Bags as desired.
Poke dripper through plastic to hydrate the coir slab with recommended solution.
Once hydrated, cut holes for plants and drainage slits. To allow plenty of drainage make vertical cuts (2-3cm) on each side of the slab by running the knife up from the base.
Place your cube/bottomless pot with plant on top of slab. Place dripper into the cube/
bottomless pot.
REMEMBER:
Never let Gro Bags sit in water as they act like a sponge and will take the water back into the slab.
Make sure if your Gro Bag is on an angle that the drainage slits are cut at the lowest point, preferably not under the plants or where the dripper enters the slab.
The best way to measure water content is by using up a weigh scale.
Gro Bags must lose at least 1kg of weight per night before commencing your water schedule the next day
No, you do not need to steam the coir. Trichoderma occurs naturally in this substrate and the environment does not encourage root diseases.