All About Growing Plants In Coco Coir! (Garden Talk #105)

In this episode of Garden Talk, I interview Dr. MJ Coco. He has been gardening for 25 years, and is regarded as an expert on growing in coco coir - and that’s what we get into in today’s episode. He talks about what coco is, rinsing it, buffering it, pH, EC, and so much more. What plants do you like to grow? Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, kale, bok choy, onions, citrus trees, house plants, let us know in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this video please click that thumbs up button :)
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★Timestamps★
00:00 - Podcast Intro
00:50 - Sponsors
01:26 - Introduction
07:53 - Pronunciation Of Coco Coir
10:45 - What Is Coco Coir?
13:06 - Bagged vs Brick Coco Coir
16:09 - Rinsing & Buffering Coco Coir
22:37 - Organic Or Synthetic Nutrients When Growing In Coco Coir?
34:58 - What Aeration Can You Add To Coco Coir?
42:56 - pH In Coco Coir When Using Synthetic Nutrients
48:12 - EC vs PPM
55:09 - EC/PPM In Coco Coir When Using Synthetic Nutrients
1:02:37 - Using Microbes In Coco Coir
1:08:10 - Other Information On Growing In Coco Coir
1:12:58 - Final Words

[@GardenTalkwithMrGrowIt]

Thanks to Dr. MJ Coco for coming onto the podcast today! Dr. MJ Coco’s channel- bit.ly/3HCKd6x

[@coreylucchesi7415]

Blumat or AC infinity self water pots? Which is better for beginners??

[@youngnixx88788]

Im not even a coco grower and this was easily top 3 Garden Talk episodes 💯🍻🔥

[@illmech]

that's one of the many truly amazin' things about this show, every single episode remarkably has useful info. best garden show streaming.

[@jeffberndt8699]

I’m a relative novice who builds rain/pollinator gardens for my real world job, so I’m not a totally ignorant soil gardener, but my first couple of grows (all inside) in soil were a pain because it seemed so many factors were just outta my control. They were successful, but I switched to following Dr MJ Coco’s high frequency fertigation method in coco and all three of my grows have been awesome, easy and really give you a chance to learn your plants! Honestly, I am 110% sold on it!

[@paddington1670]

@@jeffberndt8699 once you figure out pH, coco and bottle nutrients is easiest. I agree, soil-soil doesnt give much maneuvering

[@GamerFrisco]

Coco is the 👌

[@brianrenteria9181]

You snoozing bro coco coir is the way to grow. 20-30% more yield and growth

[@smokeyams8636]

As a coco grower this was my favorite episode so far! Great show!! 👏

[@ds19beats]

Def top 3 for me

[@cjfredi]

Been a coco grower for the past five years and couldn't be happier. I've adopted a MJ coco, Harley Smith and Bill Ward style of growing. Fantastic Talk Chris. Thank you both.

[@cbrmike69]

Ordered some Canna Coco bricks, going to try Gold Leaf Nutes with it. If I'm just growing in 1 gallon pots do you think I need to add Perlite? If so, is a certain sized Perlite recommended?

[@freshasadaisy4782]

Bill Ward doesnt know what he is doing. He makes noobie mistakes even after years.

[@ryanc6878]

I use coco hempy buckets so damn easy

[@cjfredi]

@@freshasadaisy4782 That's part of the reason I like the guy. No BS.

[@leilyndrawiri1858]

​@@cjfredi same brother he just tells you how it is no beating around the bush he's clear with what he uses and ain't into the b.s 😊

[@DrMJCoco]

Really enjoyed coming on the show! Thank you for having me, Chris. I look forward to the next episode on horticultural lighting. Grower Love!

[@stangcobra592]

MJ I've grown in Coco a couple times with synth nutes and got larfy buds, what was I doing wrong? Went back to my soil recipe..

[@tark3469]

Hell yea we want a part 2 on coco. Coco is such a funny media to grow in. Your rather love it or hate it. Good show Chris

[@michaelrichter607]

Damn he sold me on going back to coco . I really miss the fast growth and bigger yields

[@Kin_Kola]

I've been using Dr MJ Coco's feed chart since I started growing just over a year ago, and almost everyone that sees my plants can't believe I haven't been growing for many years. My plants are healthy and beautiful. I have actually started trading clones with a local dispensary and they too mentioned how well my plants look. Dr MJ Cocos feed chart will definitely help you produce some absolutely gorgeous plants from start to finish.

[@nickthorne5872]

My goodness, what an amazingly educational episode. Smart guy this one. Knows his plant science and teaches it well.

[@Inspiration-Today-2020]

Dr coco is a legend in my book. I followed his setup and style from 2019 and I crush it now!! He inspired me to learn soo much more than was needed. It's legal in Missouri now and I hope to help home growers get over the hurdles and crush it from their 1st run.

[@amandaclinton1344]

Watch both episodes with this guy. Extremely smart, great source of knowledge

[@davidwalls3295]

My favorite episode EVER!!! For sure want to see a part 2 talking about organically amended coco. Thank you and Dr. M J. very much.

[@rickybrooks2839]

I think it would super dope if you did a garden talk episode about crop steering, and how you can control EC by doing so. Every since I started implementing this, my plants have blown up(in a good way). I don't hear too many people talking about crop steering either.

[@rickybrooks2839]

And as far as the microbial inoculants, it depends on the type of inputs that you use. Like Trichoderma works as a parasitic microbe. It will infect bad diseases like root rot and take over as a beneficial. If your plants are already healthy, you won't see any benefits from this.

[@rickybrooks2839]

@Superkoopatrooper that's the main reason I'll use it along with some type of enzyme, to help break down organic material so it won't build up in my drip lines.

[@NoNamerzable]

What do u mean by crop steering?

[@rickybrooks2839]

@NoNamerzable crop steering is changing a plants environment/ irrigation strategy to steer it in the direction that you would like it go, either vegetative or generative

[@odaharry]

Yes please an episode on combining synthetics and organic s. No one ever tells much about that style

[@CL-ty6wp]

I used 50/50 of peat & rice hulls, about the recommended amount of Down to Earth all purpose 4-6-2 and a handful or so of earth worm castings. I watered with mostly even parts of flora micro & bloom (5-5-5) from General Hydroponics and had some of my healthiest plants. I don't recommend non organic promix because of the synthetic wetting agent. And I would use something besides GH , simply for the fact it has dyes. Dyna-gro is dye-less and I recommend or jacks 5-12-26 with there calcium nitrate, if you want dry ferts.

[@camz1039]

This was a very good episode. It's been a while since there was an episode dedicated to synthetic growing. The more time goes on, the less new information I seem to pull out of each video. This was one I certainly took a few notes on. One thing I have been playing with lately is lowering my ppm/ec in rdwc to find how low is too low. I was aware of the different ppm scale in Europe and America but I wasn't aware it was due to calcium ratios in water. I'm excited for the episode on LEDs. Thank you both!

[@MauiMary]

I really enjoyed this episode, which is very practical and interesting. DrMJ, the teacher, rocks ! Aloha 🌺 Chris Sustainability!!! Energy!!!

[@dawie4853]

I can concur. Learning how to crush coco and prelite mix organically, using liquid feeds made me the knf master grower i am today. DaggaDawie from South Africa

[@pauljenkins6807]

Im using coco coir mixed with vermiculite and peat moss. Im hand feeding and watering using advanced nutrients and cal mag. So far, plants are looking great but, i have a long way to go. I just hit two weeks so, im just really getting started. Great video and very informative

[@canadiancannabismike9271]

Thank you for this coco and bottles! Would love another coco show bottom watering, pheno hunting in coco 1 gallon, water frequency, PPM at different stages, mother plants, clones, all in coco. Thanks for this great episode and guest. Cheers

[@jonnyblaze2692]

Coco for Cannabis FTW!! Since finding doc mjcoco my grow has never been better ❤️❤️👍👍

[@chad.jewell]

Im not a coco guy but i still love the Drs knowledge he drops everytime he opens his mouth

[@gezgibson7451]

Love this guy, fantastic guest, deffo up there with Dr Bruce and Vader. Can't wait for next week 👍

[@nordicwarrior9566]

Starting off I used Canna coco bricks as they are already buffered and ready to go. That is the hope as I paid 2x for it just to simplify my first round.

[@MN_Grow_Bro]

I've watched literally dozens of hours of your videos, especially coco coir related, and i have to say this is truly the most educational/beneficial one yet in my own personal opinion.🙌

[@BRM101]

Gentlemen this was very enjoyable and I learnt a lot so thank you, I have heard Dr Mj on the cheap homegrow podcast but was great to see him on video instead of just a voice. Would love to see a part 2 on coco please make that happen. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@normagee]

ive only watch 15 mins & already saved this for later, great info , im just getting into coco growing so this is brilliant 😎

[@awesomeguyat7771]

Check out his website, so much info so neatly outlined, it’s truly an amazing resource

[@ds19beats]

Haha Norma gee is everywhere. I see you on highagain allot

[@freedom_born]

Wow man first 10 minutes the guy drops knowledge on language. That's mind blowing. Another banger Chris.

[@illmech]

straight up the best gardening show streamin'. Thank you Dr. Coco & as always Mr. Grow It.

[@ESVAGROWER]

Love to tune in every week buddy! Thank you again for an amazing podcast Growmie!

[@tonyb.7158]

Love this channel Dr. G happy I found you. Loads of info for the newbie like me! My results have been great. Learning so much from you and your guests! Thanks again. Keep up the great service!

[@kr38tve]

Yes! Thank you for all the effort you put it! MVP of our community!

[@ConfidentGrips]

Wow! That was a very good and helpful podcast. I hope to see more from Dr. Coco

[@DanJonesShow]

This was absolutely one of my favorite episodes. So informative. Great job!

[@HectorConCarne.]

I grow in Canna Coco, hydroton clay pebbles instead of perlite, and 3 gallon fabric pots with Advanced nutrients coco line up. Amazing everytime. Grove bags are amazing too.

[@Autonomous_Don]

Dr bugbee swears by peat and vermiculite cause of the silica and cat-ionization rate I’m gunna run a couple test trials with pumice and vermiculite as my base and mix coca in both Pumice and vermiculite have a ton of silica so I’m kinda stoked to see how it plays out

[@danialcornett]

How did it turn out?

[@srryan1]

​@@Autonomous_Donhey let us know how it went

[@jamesryan9671]

Great show. I've never heard the the subject covered as well as Dr. MJ Coco covered it here. Great show.

[@jamesedwards2687]

Great program. Thanks to both of you. Much knowledge gained.

[@Kingjames313]

I love growing in coco coir. Started with DWC (May go back some day) but coco is just so simple and effective.

[@stangcobra592]

I didn't find it simple at all, the watering is a PITA

[@cjfredi]

Absolutely agree. I like being in control of my EC and spoon feeding my plants.

[@jasonwadejohnson]

Dr. Coco got me into the benefits of coco a long time ago and it's so good to see him still going strong. I love the new propagator pots he helped make

[@robertneumann3886]

Awesome video! How amazing is it that you have someone teach you something who isn't only passionate about it but highly educated as well. As a new grower, this information was very helpful and I'll be putting it to good use!

[@user-iz1rk5hg5w]

Only been growing since last August using bag soil from Fox Farms for the first two starts, heard a podcast with Mr. MJ Coco speaking with real authority behind what he shares 😅 I decided to try coco and I had great experience with both quality and yield following his nutritional schedule - My Hat is Off to the Hood Doctor ✌️✌️

[@mactagg8814]

Ya Nailed another one Mr Grow It! My thoughts on growing with coco have drastically changed. A+ info! Took notes, now learning deeper into the general bits. Thank you both!🤙

[@702exotic]

I came out of growing retirement since the 2013 purge because of you 2 Thanks guys for the knowledge

[@Rustyjames667]

this guy is my favorite !!! in coco plants grow so fast , its amazing !!! super healthy plants !!! great show !!!!

[@cameronbasford8991]

Every bit of information given made so much sense. I’ve been making so many mistakes. Thanks heaps.

[@T-Dogs]

Solid knowledge always... I appreciate it. Thank you guys!

[@crispywannabe]

This is a great episode. Thanks for all the info Doc🙏💚 Highly enjoyed this 💚💚

[@cmattos1760]

I have a huge amount of respect for Dr MJ Coco. His website (which teaches in depth about how to grow in coco) is very well laid out and taught me most of what I know. It gave me much more than just a foundation. Thanks doc! Truly, you’ve made growing fun and most of all fulfilling for me.

[@DrMJCoco]

I really love reading comments like this! So happy that I could help make growing fun and fulfilling for you. Grower Love!

[@micksob]

Wow that was one of the best informational shows I've seen on coco coir ....hats off to you man 👍🏻 keep up the good work !

[@johnclawsdamnvan6937]

Once again - Excellent episode! Awesome info! Thank you!

[@jm3517]

This was a great episode. I don’t grow in coco and this guy didn’t sway me but he provided some great information and gave a cool perspective on some things and I like his scientific approach to growing.

[@PhenoCouncil]

That's good information, I like how he explains things. Great guest choice Chris!

[@garynoone672]

Great episode as always and packed with great info.

[@rainerkinzinger555]

Part 2 on coco! wouldn't mind parts 3 & 4 as well.

[@JohnDoe-ck3pr]

Definitely enjoyed the discussion. Would love a part two

[@kathleenblock9432]

Hi Chris, thank you for some great info for growing in different ways

[@CL-ty6wp]

I don't typically watch much about cannabis these days but this was a great watch. You can tell he has a deep passion/understanding for the subject and that's what made it good. I also picked up my first bit of coco to try today and it is actually branded 'Grow it' lol

[@jamesturpin8271]

This is the most informative video i have watched. I don't know if its because of my understanding more since ive been growing, but the information made so much sense. Especially with EC. Thank you guys.

[@ewreck944]

Love the microbe part.. I've been adding myco and hydroguard and HO LEE SHEET.. my roots are 2x thicker than without using them. Definately gonna keep using myco and hydroguard

[@LucasAndrade-yy1bs]

Amazing class. already saw his website tons of times, never get tired of his content

[@highclassgrow420ukweed6]

Yet another fantastic episode 💯👊🏻and I am looking forwardz to seeing part 2,,,growerz peace luv an respect brother 🙏🏻💚🌱🌱💚🇬🇧✌🏼☯️😎

[@brandywhittington8067]

This is the best video on explanation as far as growing in Cocoa that I have ever seen on KZbin. This is a great collaborative video between the 2of you😊. I really appreciate this. I have learned a lot.

[@Superlow2015]

What’s up Chris, just finished your book. Great basics info, great reference guide!

[@dubful1]

Great content. I learned a lot that will surely make my next coco run more beneficial.

[@dont-panic-its-organic]

You didnt mention yeild in Coco.. You get bigger stems in Coco leading to stronger branches equals big bud more yield. Coco basically acts like DWC so more yield & faster growth.. add 25% Worm Castings for high microbial life...

[@ds19beats]

LOVED THIS!!! CANT WAIT FOR PART 2!!!

[@keithcrupi9303]

Why stop with 2 go for the 3 peat

[@JointWeek]

Wow! Wow! Great master Mr. Coco 🔥

[@raydhyne5049]

Thanks for the help with water temps!!

[@user-ei7de4ld4l]

Yes absolutely do a part 2 on coco, mixes of coco, feeding etc...

[@seppous]

Yooooooooooooo!!!!! Ty! Just in time! Getting ready for 2nd grow

[@GordGonzola]

Coco here too. All the best and Thanks!

[@GamerFrisco]

Great video. Great guest! 👍🏻

[@robertforte3085]

Love the content homie!! Keep doing your thing!

[@skibx1441]

Awesome episode..would definitely like a part 2

[@ewreck944]

Dr MJ Coco! I got alot of my info from CFC! I love growing in coco/perlite and CFC is one of my go-to websites.. sometimes just to refresh my memory!

[@TremoJem]

Yes, please do another video to highlight the discussion regarding Synganic Growing.

[@tanemahuta7365]

My trick with perlite dust is to wet it immediately and avoid dust from the start, tear the bag open a little at the top and bottom. Insert garden hose and gently wash it until its damp enoigh to mix.....

[@user-km2tm1zg4p]

Awesome guest, thank you for this episode!

[@joeysoprano8405]

This channel is a blessing 🙌

[@roadsmusic2]

Was waiting for this 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@tedokrzesik2655]

Yes I'd like to see more on growing in Coco.

[@Superlow2015]

A lot of information! Good episode!

[@cjbudd]

THANK YOU CHRIS! i havent watched a single one of these yet and not had to grab a pen and paper and jot a few things down. sometimes its full on notes haha.

[@joestone3925]

Would love to see a pt 2 a lot of great info appreciate it bro

[@Barry-ui9ic]

Back in 1982 my dad started the first closet grow,we knew nothing about it, started with a mercury vapor lamp, a few other types 40 watt big tube fluorescent light,no timers,bag seeds,we grew leafy plants to the ceiling,, that was the first trial and error, I grow great flower now,we had no books no knowledge,no you tube,we learned from a friend who worked in a long stem roses greenhouse and taught us about light schedules to produce roses, also on how to make cuttings end trimming techniques fertilizers in other than dirt growing medium

[@heyitsarash]

So were you successful at growing back then,?

[@heyitsarash]

So were you succussful growing back then?

[@captainpeckerhead4551]

Always enjoy Chris thanks

[@silkysmooth8165]

Great video, great information, for sure yes part 2 for coco coir.

[@kr38tve]

Freaking Awesome Guest!!!!

[@jeffreymcgee6686]

Thanks been thinking about using coco on next run this helps

[@Angrytoddler]

The reason you use vermiculite is to add the benefits of silica it’s more of a amendment then to aid in drainage or you can add rice hulls .

[@thomassiegfried5409]

Water holding as well definitely gives soil a better ability to stay moist.

[@reB3732]

Great Interview. pH, PPM, EC....

[@briarbear5286]

This man is so smart I’m about to start my trek in coco coir. And this gentleman is very knowledgeable in agriculture and in growing. Wish i had him on speed dial 😊

[@joemcgraw5529]

This was Great learned a Ton !! especially with EC and PPM ,my Last grow I added maybe 10% coco to my soil I hydrated the brick but definately didnt add Cal mag like he was explaining and did have a few issues ,I would love to see a espisode combining coco with soil that would be cool

[@budman6550]

Astonishing knowledge and passion. I love it

[@LEXX9090]

Love listening to MJ!

[@86peppers]

This is one of the best and most informative videos of yours I have watched! And not just for coco. I've never grown in coco and learned so much. Chris, on your next round of "bro science" Q&A can you please ask about letting water sit out for 24 hours before feeding to plants? People do this to let chlorine dissipate. But isn't chlorine one of the needed micronutrients? It's also a sterilizing agent. Isn't that a good thing? We drink this water and water our outside gardens with it.... I've noticed that if I use straight tap water in a DWC bucket, it's difficult to control the PH. It drifts all over the place and there is a huge delay on the PH meter. When I use water that's been sitting out >24 hours I find the PH is more more stable and adjusting it is much more responsive. I run sterile so I add my own cal-hypo. SO, I guess my confusion lies more with letting water sit out to remove chlorine for plants growing in *soil/peat*? MJ said that when water is left out to sit the oxygen is released. And if overwatering suffocates our roots, is this worsened by water that's been drained of oxygen? Maybe we should be putting an air stone in our sitting water when feeding it to plants in soil?

[@MontaeBlanco]

Great episode, a lot of game was given

[@DOUGCOWANAKAtabsman]

thanks again chris im using coco and this helps

[@patzocaval]

Fantastic chat. Really enjoyed it

[@jeffwerner7598]

I really like the way he breaks down energy consumption

[@thomasmarback5020]

What an amazing guy! Great knowledge