If you are a gardening enthusiast you know the benefits of using coco coir. For those that may not know coco coir is an organic compound that adds to potting soil in the form of absorbency, water retention and drainage. It can also be used on it’s own to provide support to roots of hydroponically grown plants or sprout seeds. It is a useful addition in gardening and we have found the best coco coir options for you.
COMPARISON CHART
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Burpee 8 qt Organic Coir Compressed Seed Starting Mix
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FoxFarm FX14100 Bush Doctor Coco Loco Plant Garden Potting Soil Mix
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Urban Worm Coco Coir
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GROW!T JSCPB – Coco Coir Mix Brick
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Minute Soil – Compressed Coco Coir Fiber Grow Medium
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Thunder Acres Coco Coir Brick
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Features
- Excellent 100% biodegradable soil alternative mix
- Made from coconut coir, a renewable resource made by recycling the husks from harvested coconuts
- Provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants
- Compressed brick expands to about 8 quarts in a few minutes just by adding water
You can Improve germination and root growth with this coconut fiber brick. It is a premium seed starting mix in one compressed brick made of renewable resource coconut fiber. All you need to do is add water and the brick expands to a volume of about 8 quart in minutes.
WHAT WE LIKE
Great for seed starting over the winter months when you may not have access to fresh soil and garden centers have none in stock due to being out of season. It expands quite a lot so it’s best to put the coir brick into a good sized bucket. This is a great alternative soil option if you know how to properly use it and care for the plants. Inexpensive and very easy to use.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
If you water it often based on it looking dry on top you will over water and cause the plants/seedling to become stressed or kill them all together. Too much water will make it very soggy and you’ll have to squeeze it out otherwise the excess moisture can cause root rot. If you only want to use a small section and not the whole brick it is not that easy to break off smaller pieces.
PROS
- Great for seed starting in winter
- It expands a lot
- Good alternative soil option
- Inexpensive and easy to use
CONS
- Need to be cautious of overwatering
- May need to drain excess water to avoid root rot
- Not easy to break off smaller pieces to use
Features
- Size: 2 cu ft
- Triple- washed for low salt content. Coco coir will not affect the pH of the growing medium
- Will hold more than its weight in water while still draining well
- Lower humidity reduces the possibility of attracting mold and root rot, as well as leaving insects less likely to bother your potted plants
Bush Doctor Coco-Loco Coconut Coir Potting Mix by Fox Farm is triple washed for low salt content, and holds properties that will not require water as often as your usual potting mix. Whether you’re growing in hanging baskets, vertical gardens, containers, or seedling trays, you’re guaranteed to extend your watering schedule with the help of this potting mix.
WHAT WE LIKE
Includes a hydroponic feeding schedule setting you up for success if you are using the product for hydroponic growing. This coco coir is greenhouse tested to ensure quality and consistency.It behaves like little sponges offering nutrients and water as needed by the plants. The lower humidity does avoid mold and root rot which is helpful.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
You need to take note of the suggested watering schedule to avoid overwatering or drying out your plants. While it will work in most climates it is important to be cautious in the more extreme temperatures. While it does drain well you still need to be mindful of overwatering as you can stop the drainage process with too much water.
PROS
- Comes with a hydroponic feeding schedule
- Quality and consistent product
- Offers nutrients to plants on demand
- Lower humidity product
CONS
- Need to avoid overwatering
- Will not work in all climates
- Drainage ability is limited
Features
- It is rinsed to remove salt content, it has near-neutral pH
- It can be used as a soil amendment or worm bedding
- Each 1.4-lb brick absorbs nearly a gallon of water and expands to over 2.5 gallons of a loose, fluffy, substrate you can use in your worm bin, garden, or custom soils
- Made with 100% natural coconut fiber
Urban Worm Coco Coir is a proven, eco-friendly worm bedding and soil amendment made from coconut husks. It is perfect for worm bedding and soil mixes. It increases porosity and water retention. It also prevents nutrient leaching.
WHAT WE LIKE
Rehydrates wonderfully as directed. Convenient to use by using it’s own bag to rehydrate the coco coir. It expands well and has a good consistency. Once expanded it is easy to break apart and use as needed. It is lightweight, easy to store and use. The fact that it is environmentally friendly is a big plus.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
You need to make sure to place the coco coir in another container or extra bag when rehydrating as some water leaks out some holes at the bottom. This coco coir makes a smaller amount than similar options which may be too little for some applications. The packaging is a bit inconsistent and may have holes in.
PROS
- Rehydrates well
- Good consistency
- Breaks apart easily once rehydrated
- Environmentally friendly
CONS
- May not be safe to rehydrate in bag it comes in
- Smaller amount
- Inconsistent packaging
Features
- Pathogen-free ground cover alternative for indoor and outdoor organic growers
- Strong consistency for ideal water retention, essential air space, and excellent drainage properties. Expansion capabilities of 2–2.5 gallons wetted coir per block.
- Ideal pH level provides a wise for hanging baskets and containers
- Easy to store and easy to carry for year-long plant protection
Suitable for organic growers, this GROW!T Coco Coir pack is both pathogen and seed-free. With excellent air to water ratio, see significant improvement in water retention and aeration, keeping your herbage healthy and happy. A great block for any and all plants, this coir brick performs exceptionally well with minimal leakage in hanging baskets.
WHAT WE LIKE
The mix texture provides your vegetation room to breathe and grow freely while never growing thirsty. It is easy to store this coco coir mix. It works well for both indoor and outdoor plants alike. This option provides sturdy ground cover to give support all year long. It is a sustainable option for organic growers and is both pathogen and seed-free.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The volume is not as listed and is much smaller than what you may need. It also does not expand well which is not ideal in a coco coir. A more expensive coco coir especially for its size there are cheaper and bigger alternatives.
PROS
- Allows for good ventilation
- Easy to store
- Works for indoor and outdoor plants
- Pathogen and seed-free
CONS
- Smaller volume
- Does not expand well
- More expensive option
Features
- Use as straight grow medium, or add to garden soil to improve water holding capacity & aeration
- Great for indoor and outdoor container gardening, or traditional gardening
- Minute soil is raw, unamended, pure, untreated, raw fibrous coconut coir
- Peat Free and eco friendly
Minute soil is pure, untreated, raw fibrous coconut coir that is compressed into light convenient discs or blocks that quickly expand into an amazing growth medium when you add water. Minute soil has tremendous water retention capabilities that both save water and give you added flexibility in watering frequency.
WHAT WE LIKE
It is convenient and much easier and tidier than hauling large bags of damp potting soil. It offers better growth providing improved water holding capacity and aeration for faster, strong plant growth, and healthier roots. It is versatile and can be used as straight grow medium, or add to garden soil to improve water holding capacity & aeration.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
It is unfortunately not as advertised and does not make as much as stated. Although it says it can be used for indoor and outdoor applications it tends to be more for indoor use which does not add to its adaptability.
PROS
- Convenient and easy to use
- Better growth for plants with its use
- Versatile in its growing abilities.
- Tidier and more compact option
CONS
- Does not make as much as stated
- More for indoor application
- Not as advertised
Features
- OMRI certified for organic use and production. Bricks expand up to 8 times their size
- Creates an ideal growing environment
- Improves aeration
- Easy to store
Organic coco coir is a peat moss alternative, made from the husk of coconuts. This completely renewable resource helps stop the destruction of natural peat bogs. Coco coir helps prevent over watering and promotes strong root growth. Coco Coir is compressed into a 1.5lb brick. When water is added it will break apart and expand up to 8 times its size.
WHAT WE LIKE
Includes a hydroponic feeding schedule setting you up for success if you are using the product for hydroponic growing. This coco coir is greenhouse tested to ensure quality and consistency.It behaves like little sponges offering nutrients and water as needed by the plants. The lower humidity does avoid mold and root rot which is helpful.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
You need to take note of the suggested watering schedule to avoid overwatering or drying out your plants. While it will work in most climates it is important to be cautious in the more extreme temperatures. While it does drain well you still need to be mindful of overwatering as you can stop the drainage process with too much water.
PROS
- Works well for transplanting plants
- Brick fits well in bucket for expansion
- Easy and convenient to store
- Good quality and eco friendly
CONS
- Overpriced for its small size
- No bulk pricing options
- Smaller coco coir
FINAL VERDICT
If you want to keep your gardening as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible then a good coco coir is a great option. Our top recommendation is Burpee 8 qt Organic Coir Compressed Seed Starting Mix.
As a 100% biodegradable soil alternative mix it is a great option for eco-friendly gardening. It is inexpensive and easy and convenient to use. The expansion ratio of this coco coir is excellent and you will be able to use it for the majority of your gardening applications with success. If you use it as recommended and look after your plants in terms of adequate watering this coco coir will have your plants thriving.
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