IS COCONUT COIR GOOD FOR THE GARDEN? IS COCONUT COIR SUSTAINABLE? | Gardening in Canada 👩‍🔬🌿

[@LearnToGrow1]

Great video Ashley and on point! I’ve been using more coconut coir than peat the past two years since researching that harvesting peat is not a sustainable practice...now I’m wondering the same about coir! Anyway yes coir is an inert material and needs plenty of organic matter added to it. I also started rinsing it recently prior to using, because of the possibility of it containing salt. The one I use contain big pieces which allows proper aeration. I use 3 parts coconut coir to 1 part worm castings and so far my extra dwarf tomatoes are looking healthy and starting to fruit! I also grew two indeterminate tomatoes last year in coconut coir, worm castings and worm casting tea foliar spray biweekly...we got tons of cherry tomatoes and remember I don’t prune the suckers on cherry tomatoes and sometimes on any kind when I feel lazy lol 😂. Thanks for the informative video!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Okay interesting so I just did a pot up with it & it drains so quickly. I was blown away by it, how does it do for a plastic pot in full sun? I imagine it’s going to dry out fast.

[@linda-MyLifeAndOtherAnecdotes]

Learn To Grow I just started using worm castings this year when transplanting and I am loving the results so far. I’m ok with pruning, I get lazy with the whole worm tea and regular fertilizing.

[@dipanjalir]

Thanks for taking into account work standards in the countries coconut coir is made :) I find a lot of videos about plants don't account for sustainable and ethical means of production.

[@GardeningInCanada]

You’re welcome glad you enjoyed!

[@dmo848]

Love this chick. She always gives me the best tips

[@GardeningInCanada]

You're the best!

[@GardeningInCanada]

If you missed the peat moss video here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bny0k6ChrLOUa5Y

[@roseacampora6974]

I really like your discussion about renewable.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Glad you enjoyed that part!

[@wanderiderph7024]

Cocopeat production in the Philippines doesn't include saltwater treatment or any other treatment. 100 percent organic.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Nice!

[@GardeningInCanada]

So I think all my animals made a guest appearance at the end of this video... but honest question have you used coconut coir? Did you like it? And do you know if this stuff has a fair trade option?! This is an honest concern of mine when I saw the way it was produced...

[@GardeningInCanada]

If you missed the peat moss video check it out here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bny0k6ChrLOUa5Y

[@dipanjalir]

I use it, as a substitute for perlite. However I didn't know that it changes the pH as it decomposes, so I'll definitely need to swap out the soil soon.

[@GardeningInCanada]

@@dipanjalir yea I would work as a perlite substitute especially when it’s so course

[@darwinroy1131]

Pro trick : watch series on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@allanlewis6274]

@Darwin Roy yup, I've been watching on Flixzone} for since november myself :D

[@TheFarmDream]

Will be looking out for more content like this. Thank you for sharing!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks!

[@kathysymanyk9212]

Thanks for doing this experiment. Im looking forward to more.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks! And thank you for watching! What do you think is going to happen?

[@kathysymanyk9212]

@@GardeningInCanada I'm not sure, maybe will have to amend it more . Fertilize more frequently? 🤷‍♀️

[@ellisjk1409]

I like the way you take into account all the energy and resources used in this enviro-friendly product, coco coir. We should use those same standards on other so-called "green" products such as wind turbines and electric vehicles. As for coco coir, you really need to wash the salts out of it and then soak in a calmag solution for 8 hours before using. Mix with 1/3 perlite and you have a fantastic growing medium. I hear it is impossible to over water coco coir for it retains 20% oxygen when fully saturated. I just started using it for pot ed plants. lol.

[@GardeningInCanada]

I totally agree with the wind turbine and electric vehicle comment.

[@richardm7812]

I didnt know that planting can be such a rocket science

[@Hookstergram]

have your veuws on coco changed over time?

[@SunGroHorticulture]

Thank you for mentioning our product! Click on the link to learn more about Black Gold Canada Just Coir. blackgold.bz/product/black-gold-canada-just-coir/

[@GardeningInCanada]

Anytime! i am excited to give it a try. It is a lot different then peat moss thats for sure!

[@happytrails.]

I've just started looking into coconut coir vs peat moss and debating what to use, so thank you for both these videos! I'm just at the research stage of figuring out what I can grow indoors and how to grow it. I'm getting a little sidetracked sometimes though... I saw on a couple forums concerns about the salt in coconut coir due to it being soaked/washed in saltwater, saw it recommended to soak the coir in epsom salt (and then rinse it again). They said that the magnesium in the epsom salt would displace the sodium from the saltwater. Was wondering what you thought of this, is it a good idea?

[@GardeningInCanada]

So I actually need to do a follow up video comparing the two because they are so drastically different in how they operate. I’m finding the coco coir pH isn’t low enough and is actually causing a lot of mild issues in an indoor setting or without adequate air flow. As for the epsom theory that’s hugely incorrect. Sodium has a +1 charge and Magnesium is +2. Meaning sodium is a relatively stable ion that isn’t looking to bond or hangout with anyone in particular. It’s perfect mate would on a technicality be Chlorine because it’s a - 7 and the goal is always 8 when it comes to ions. But then that simply makes a solid sodium cloride which doesn’t mean water is going to remove it. Just rinsing with water is the smartest choice because H2O has a partial negative charge that will capture a +1 Na.

[@happytrails.]

Thank you for clarifying about the epsom salt! I kinda had the feeling it might be a bit off. I hope you update us on the coco coir, I'm curious about what happened with indoor plants, or how air flow affects it.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea! Absolutely it’s in the schedule

[@SunGroHorticulture]

Our primary supply for coir is sourced from India and Sri Lanka.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Awesome thanks for letting the crew know!

[@linda-MyLifeAndOtherAnecdotes]

This is fantastic. I just bought coco coir this year to use, I thought, as mulch for water retention, but haven’t gotten to it yet... now I’m wondering if I will at all, lol. I thought it would be a great idea because I figured it would act as a mulch and keep weeds down, retain area and expands so readily, then at end of season I could just turn it under into the soil to decompose and act as a bulking agent. I know they recommend coir in composting toilets so.. seemed like a great idea in my head, lol. 🤷‍♀️I really don’t know why, but I have an aversion to traditional fertilizers. I do have a shaker container of Miracle Grow for gardens, but I have it in my head to avoid artificial chemicals and I’ve read it sort of has the reverse effect long term and creates an unhealthy soil, which I don’t want. I’ve noticed this year I’ve had more worms in my bed, which I’ve read is a sign of healthy soil so I don’t want to mess with that either. I’ve also started tossing pulled spent plants and random (non-diseased) leaves and so on in one unused corner of my raised bed with the idea that the sun will dry them out brittle and I’ll just turn them under and mulch/rototill them all through to enhance my soil. I dunno, I just keep trying new things bit by bit and hope I tap into things that are more helpful and beneficial each year as I go, but ultimately I have no clue what I’m doing, I just try ,y best, lol. 🤷‍♀️

[@GardeningInCanada]

They all sound like really great approaches there is no real right or wrong way just what works in your environment vs not

[@arshadabdullah7425]

Interesting video. I’ve used husk pieces for water retention. But that’s about it. I’ve since stopped using it. I think the ph got high. I don’t thing it does much nutrient wise. For water retention, yes it’s great. After testing it, if you see any nutritional value in it, please let us know. Also I guess if it’s going from let’s say Sri Lanka/India to Canada, then peat moss is also coming from there to the rest of the world. Most of the peat moss I saw online here are from Canada.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yes 100% true. There are some peat harvesting operations in Europe but otherwise it’s mostly coming out of Canada.

[@elizabethabreu7531]

Thank you so much for the video. Very informative! I can't wait to see the comparison between the two.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Me too! They are definitely very different products so they should have two different results. Have you tried coco coir?

[@elizabethabreu7531]

@@GardeningInCanada no, I have not tried coco coir yet. I'm still doing research on the best soil mixture for my plants. That is including Cactus and succulents. Can't wait to see what you come up with!!!!😃

[@kyote_unleashed]

thank you for your initial take on coco coir, looking forward to the followup! i’ve been using coco coir for a few years outside, started using it inside about a year and a half ago. i can’t use peat because it causes breathing problems for me. are there any other alternatives to peat?

[@GardeningInCanada]

If you have respiratory issues you should look into LECA for indoor plants. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6W6qndqaNSVo5I

[@NashvilleMonkey1000]

Ashley, I just saw another video where they put regular table salt into a liquid mixture and pour it on their plants and call it a weed killer. "Salting the Land" is accumulative and has been known as destructive to the land for thousands of years, what is going on?~

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea that’s not a good idea at all. If it’s a clay soil especially because it’s going to reside inside the profile for ages potentially causing harm.

[@dipanjalir]

And oh hello Penny! Cute kitty ❤️❤️

[@GardeningInCanada]

❤️❤️❤️

[@shabnamahmmed9769]

can you upload a video for over-wintering for plants like pepper? Also I live in zone 6, but what can I grow for upcoming summer or fall? can you help me please? I am new to gardening!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea absolutely I can! Great idea. What kind of peppers are you growing

[@shabnamahmmed9769]

@@GardeningInCanada thai pepper and jalapeno :)

[@GardeningInCanada]

Nice! I’m doing bell peppers and habinaros this year

[@Magicmotor101]

Is there a difference between sawdust and coco peat?

[@vanessapahl1]

So could I add it to my compost and then the following year add it to my garden? I have an alkaline soul.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Yea absolutely!

[@dmo848]

Garden lime works good 2

[@mazinfahmawi]

I use cocopeat and its very good at porosity but it has almost no nutrients you’ll need to mix it with so many fertilizers or nutrients to make it work. I do use stuff to lower the PH as well. Briefly Downside is, nutrient deficiencies. Upside is porosity.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ozzieosawamick1712]

At which store did you get this at?

[@GardeningInCanada]

Earlys in Saskatoon

[@paulacheson12]

So how would I incorporate in my blueberry patch

[@GardeningInCanada]

I would actually top dress with it for the scenario

[@tobruz]

If you have a negative opinion of peat or coir try composting leaves as we have no shortage of these in Canada! Just my opinion...

[@GardeningInCanada]

Shredded leaves 🍃 I don’t have that level of patience Bruce 🤓

[@jeaninecelayeta3370]

I’ve use milk diluted 2/3 milk to 1/3 water.

[@justmejo9008]

Very helpful 🤗

[@GardeningInCanada]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed

[@ganbinocanfly]

It doesn't seem like you have much experience, if any, with the properties of coir. Coco has a higher CEC than peat, and usually has a ph of between 6-7, so no need for liming. Because of the CEC some minerals are hard to flush, mainly, sodium, mg, ca and coco is naturally high in K, which can also displace mg and ca as they can be antagonistic towards each other. Compressed bricks of coco are not much different than compressed bricks of peat, so I'm not sure why you think that there are additives in a brick of coco as opposed to peat? Honest coco is one of the best mediums available as long as you understand its CEC and how it should be treated. It is basically a soilless medium and because of its properties of things like being hard to overwater, it should be treated similar to a hydroponic medium and shouldn't be let to dry out like soils as it will concentrate the available nutrients and you could run into a lot of lock-out. Good luck!

[@kevinharrigan2727]

My only critique with your sustainability argument is that it is literally a trash item from the coconut industry. As much as the coconut industry is fraught with issues (it reminds me of the seafood industry honestly), it would just be thrown away instead, while the industry remains the same. I would much rather put coco coir to good use than just throw it away! I can tell you I’ve grown food mushrooms with it (I grabbed a spore print from some portobellos at the store) and it works incredibly! I will absolutely do the slight bit of extra work to clean it up and use it in my garden and houseplants vs peat moss with all of its environmental effects.

[@russellradwanski5771]

I think we're at 100 likes...time to do a comparison video!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Hahah okay! That’s fair. Totally lost track.

[@nancyfahey7518]

If you live in Hawaii then you use coconut coir.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Haha yea I agree. That would be the place!

[@jeil5676]

They call it coconut coir but I have to wonder if this is actually a biproduct of the oil palm industry which is responsible for the destruction of massive areas of rainforest around the world and definitely not eco friendly, sustainable or green. Not sure if that info is readily available.

[@GardeningInCanada]

oh thats an interesting take! that is a wicked industry... very upsetting

[@flutescope]

Clueless comment. Totally different palm species, different fruit and different industries. There is no shortage of coconuts, in fact, husks tend be a bulky nuisance locally. And, there's no way oil palm fruit fibers could ever pass as coir.

[@jeil5676]

@@flutescope Yea it is clueless. ya know why? Cuz I live in a land of peat and there aint no coconuts for 10 hours in any direction. Thats why I have to wonder why theres so much coir available here.

[@flutescope]

@@jeil5676 Well, I live in a land of coconuts where there's no peat. But I'm not picking a fight, just saying it rather bluntly. You know why there's so much coir? Because it's cheap. Cheap byproduct, cheap labor, cheap government officials to buy to turn a blind eye on a dirty industry, just as palm oil. But since it's an inferior product, they have taken on demonizing peat moss as marketing. European peat moss harvesting has proven unsustainable, but Canadian peat moss is just fine, a well run industry with vast reserves, most of them untouched. And there's no match for long fiber sphagnum, most of which is cultivated rather than extracted.

[@jeil5676]

@@flutescope What happens to all the palm oil coir?

[@susanancog1624]

Ah, excuse me I’ve lived here on Maui for over forty years and coir is both depending on how it’s processed.Please do your homework before speaking.

[@GardeningInCanada]

What a kind and engaging way of expressing yourself ❤️