Seed Starting: Coconut Coir vs Peat Pellets - Which Expand Fastest?

[@abondanzamama]

John, we love and appreciate all of your work. I have my own internal grammar Nazi, but I'm glad to stifle it when I'm in the presence of true enthusism , experience, and joy. Don't change a thing. Blessings! You have helped me so much.

[@kevinmatz7358]

I used both the Jiffy pellets and the coir pellets this year for my seedlings. The difference was dramatic. The seedlings grown in the Jiffy pellets were bigger, stronger and healthier looking. No more coir pellets for me.

[@lizziebarrett]

John, don't ever forget that we all love you! We love and appreciate all you do for us! Sure, you're not perfect, I'm not perfect, no one is perfect...and wouldn't it be one big boring world if we all were??? If we all get passionate about one thing in life, the world would be a far better place, and your passion for gardening proves that fact. Don't ever change!! (and keep these wonderful videos coming at us!!)

[@growingyourgreens]

All Coconut Coir Pellets are NOT created equal. I encourage everyone to experiment with different brands and kinds of pellets to determine which is the best for your needs. I personally like the romberg brand because they have done testing to make their product better than most... (ie: less compressed, add organic nutrients and paper sleeve) its German Engineered Coconut Coir Pellets that in my opinion is one of the best coconut pellets out there.

[@NessButterfly74]

Learn Organic Gardening at GrowingYourGreens Did you do a follow up video to see which grew better in the end, the seeds in the choir of the seeds in the peat? I’m in Australia & just starting out & not a lot of money to try things out too much 😊

[@RVFreeDa]

You know John, I'd just delete the naysayers messages and not reply to them. They are not worth your time and you do not deserve to feel bad about their remarks. You are one of the most inspiring people out there!

[@justgivemethetruth]

I really like those little plastic incubator things ... I always see the ones that are way too big and then end up not using them. I also really like the experimental videos ... that's kind of your trademark, the juice off or the comparison - which is great and we really appreciate.

[@fairyfly500]

I just bought some peats today :( but I kinda tore the top of the plastic stuff to help it absorb the water and they expanded in about 2 minutes... Thanks for the tip about tearing away the plastic after germination though! Ive started 9 different veggies to see what grows in the peat pellets. Keep up the great work!!

[@m.b.boyack2228]

The Jiffy Pellets are supposed to be hydrated using warm/hot water and will expand immediately. Its written on the instructions on the box.

[@teeslife382]

don't worry about the negative people..your doing great without you and others like you a lot of people wouldn't know what they know now..your awesome..keep it up! 👍

[@fmsnzil]

your use of the english language is one of the (many ) things i like about your videos. :) keep on smiling :)

[@titanlurch]

John there is one very important fact about peat. It is hydrophobic and tends to absorb warm water faster than cold but the coconut is like totally instant so either way it looks like coconut wins the race.

[@honeybacres]

wow that was an amazing comparison. Those coconut coir pellets sure do expand much faster than the peat one.

[@sixmillionsilencedaccounts3517]

because coco fibre is hydrophilic, peat is hydrophobic

[@MsYorkie68]

John, I understand that it is upsetting to have viewers that don't appreciate your efforts. I also know why you would want to respond to them. Unfortunately, no matter what is said, those type of individuals don't change. Your efforts and knowledge is better spent on those that truly appreciate you and your vision. There are so many viewers like myself that have learned and continue to learn from your videos. Don't let a few bad apples ruin your day.

[@growingyourgreens]

I think ALOT before I make every video on how the different shots will look, what I want to say, and turn on the camera. ALL MY VIDEOS are UNSCRIPTED and spontaneous.I am NOT an english major.Despite my grammar, people get the message. Please understand, the process of making a single video including setup, filming and editing may be 1-2 hours FOR EACH ONE. I do all this at NO COST to my viewers. I dont have the time to dot my i's and cross my t's.It is NOT perfect. I never claim to be perfect.

[@lorimaravilla8379]

Most of us don't care about your wordage, you have great energy and we love what you are doing, keep up the good work! Leave the haters alone they are not worth your time. WASTE

[@rebeccazody1278]

Love your videos. I learn a lot. Thx

[@SlashHappyOgre]

I also experienced stunted growth in the Jiffy's. I started many types of seed in one of the cheap plastic thing John's talking about. After they were getting a good size, I put them into the garden and planted seed directly into the garden a week later. The plants from ALL of the seed that was planted directly have way outgrown the plants that started in Jiffy pellets. When my son pulled up one of the little guys last weekend, the whole liner was intact and I'm sure that's why it's stunted.

[@kelseypeyton7260]

Pellets will expand faster with warm/hotter water from what I have experimented with

[@sann3119]

Are you kidding? He's good at what he does! He makes love to the camera every time! lol! ;) John used to have a speech teacher & I think she did a great job with him. I really don't see what you see that is wrong. It's not easy making these videos so that others will actually enjoy watching them, keeping it educational & entertaining at the same time. He's just meant to be a speaker & def. flows his words well. I got one of those mini greenhouses from ebay. They have differnt sizes. .

[@paulschmaltz8559]

Dear John. Last evening 7pm Montreal time, I did exactly what you did. The peat pellets which I purchased at the dollar store immediately exploded and were seeded with 15 mins. It is now 2:20pm, I'm still waiting for my coir pellets to get passed half open. I used boiling water. I think it has to do with the age and/or compressedness of the pellet.

[@deanventola2844]

I just bought some very healthy coir based pepper plants. I had a hell of a time tearing the pots or just pushing them out without damaging the plants. I say use coir, because these plants were so solid. John - Bottom line, what's your recommendation? And thank you for sharing your passion.

[@pepperj1981]

That's some great stuff there John! I just got started this year on square foot/backyard gardening, and I actually started my plants on the Jiffy peat pellets. I didn't have many problems at all (only 6 of the 72 pellets didn't bear anything). I had no clue about the coconut coir pellets, otherwise I might have started with them. Great video, as always!

[@Timhisattva]

John - We really enjoy your videos and I always recommend your site to my gardening friends. I've learned so much about what kinds of veggies to plant... how to compost and wake up the soil using compost tea (got the special Boogie Brew deal with your page reference)... You are appreciated by so many fine folks! Thank You and please Keep those videos coming!

[@Desert2GardenLV]

Jiffy suggest using warm water. I have found when I use warm water they expand pretty quickly. Also some that I purchase online are OLD but when I buy the new ones at Home Depot they generally expand pretty quick.

[@heswu5303]

I recently discovered something helpful by accident. If you want the peat to expand fast, use warm water. I use fairly hot water and they expand in less than 5 minutes. Just make sure you let the soil cool before sowing your seeds :p

[@VirginiaRux]

I really enjoy the videos. I love them really and he's down to earth and very human. I love that. I feel kind of sad to see such misunderstandings and off comments. He's having lots of fun sharing and we don't need to turn it into something fun. Please know I LOVE watching! ...and gardening! :)

[@debifritzsd]

I love your videos. Always learn alot. Wish I had paid attention to this 20 years ago! Thank you

[@OrderlyChris]

love your passion for greens and growing your own food bro, very inspirational, gonna get my garden going and shoot some videos too!

[@carlcathey68]

I tested this back in feb. at the store. the coir won hands down.

[@lorimaravilla8379]

Where did you get the dome? We want to know were you get them? You should sell them both domes and coco starts

[@thomaskn1012]

The top of the peat pellets absorb water a lot better than the other surfaces of the pellets. I believe that has to do with the hydrophobic nature of the plastic netting around those peat pellets. Pouring warm water directly on top of the pellets slowly allows water to absorb faster.

[@TheBoguspokus]

Try the same test with hot water bro. I use boiling water on my jiffys and they practically bounce out of the container. I use boiling water to get rid of any greeblies that may be lurking in the puck. I have never tried the coir ones but it sounds like a better way to go as far as sustainability goes.

[@IloveMyMio]

Is that a rough estimate based on current consumption, or is that one that is accounting for exponential use?

[@TheJakeRobinson]

hmmm,,, seems like the Romberg's are only sold from other countries (not the US) Is there a US distributor? or can you get them shipped from the EU at a reasonable price?

[@c.s.9999]

I'm trying my hardest not to overthink but I'm not sure if I'm suppose to keep the seedlings indoors & covered with minimum lighting until they sprout or can I place the seedlings outside uncovered. It's so much information out here that will literally have a beginner confused. I'm just looking for the correct information.

[@thehittmann1981]

Wow, I have to say that I used the Jiffy brand pellets recently and they didn't take that long to soak up the water. I would say that they were at maximum size within a couple of minutes. I am in Australia though so maybe the product is a bit different here.

[@lgkelley1]

Great Vid. I appreciate your "scientific method" approach to ,we the novice gardener, horticulture education. Thank you for your efforts.

[@patriciaking2180]

I just looked for Romberg Pellets online. I can only get them from the UK or Australia. How sustainable is that?

[@freakygeaktwo]

I never new the netting on the jiffy was plastic :( could be why it's recommended to use warm to hot water to soak them. Nice comparison thanks for sharing

[@1775novten]

So you just fill the toilet paper rolls with soil and stand them on one end? Or do you cut them down at all? Never really thought about this method of reusing.

[@AaronBurnsVoT]

My thoughts exactly, also I want to use coir but it's not as available around my area I guess. I tried all the box stores and nurseries and the one I found was small quantities for starting seeds only. Peat won by price and I hate that.

[@rolazrei]

As much as I appreciate the videos, the update video is the only important one, as the health of the plant is the ONLY factor that matters. Ease/speed of use is only a factor when the time lost matters, and in this case you water it and walk away for a while... no time lost.

[@AshaJayathilake]

What is your recommendation, coconut peat or netting pallet?

[@christschool]

What I'm interested in and can't find any information on is which is more acidic, peat or coconut coir?

[@cosmicwizard63]

Nice video! Just curious.....what's your opinion on Cow Pots?

[@xMrsDerpity420x]

Love watching you and I always learn so much . Thanks for the videos and keep them coming. Peace out!

[@1mensamom]

Peppers do NOT like Jiffy pots! I planted 15 jiffy pots with bell, anaheim, pablano, and marconi peppers. About 7 came up and never got taller than 1" or so. At the same time, I planted bell pepper seeds in an oblong window box type planter. They took longer to come up but now are about 5" tall and ready to transplant up. Haven't tried to coir yet. Will do that next time. Thanks for all the info John!

[@growingyourgreens]

If you would like perfect,I encourage you to search out other gardening channels that use proper English that teach gardening OR make your own videos to talk about subjects in gardening that INTEREST you and has proper grammer so you can watch them.

[@danielledion7955]

I love ur videos, I watch them all the time

[@j19107]

What does this prove? One expands faster, again what difference does that make. The Jiffy peat pellets have worked for me for years. I tried the coconut coir pellets this year and was very unhappy with the germination and the fact that they dried out constantly with my heat mat.

[@leftmarginnotedpm7062]

it doesn't take much for the coco coir pellets to disintegrated from their pressed shape (just a tad too much water will do it) which is no so good if the seeds are just sprouting or Haven formed their seedling leaves yet. As far as the peat pellets, if you cut little slits into the mesh (instead of trying to pull the mesh off, disturbing the tiny roots) at transplanting time, it'll be easier for the roots to find a way out. Peat also needs warm water to expand quickly. It'll expand in cold or room temperature water but will take a lot longer.

[@lucasroberto7672]

Good morning I'm from Brazil and I do not understand English can you tell me about your video Coconut Coir vs Peat Pellets which you recommend I buy.

[@ahmadyasiryusri7963]

I remember when I 1st time use coconut coir... I bought it from supplier for nursery items and told me to buy coconuts coir for growing seed and i ask him how to use, he say soak it in the water, so I soak it and left it for 4 hours and I come back and find out some of coconuts coir out of shape coz the coconuts coir absorb lot of water and out from its wrapping, my 1st experieance coconuts coir... by the way In my country Malaysia we call coconuts coir, cocoppeat pellets.

[@MZrapfull]

Hey John! Just bought some of you're Purple tree kale and was wondering the best way to start these? I was thinking about starting them in an Aerogarden hydroponics systems, and transplanting them into pots soon after. Do you think that would be fine? I could also start them in either Coir or Peat pellets, i have both.

[@RVFreeDa]

Great test! Thanks! I hate those peat pellets and never used the CCore. I will try this.

[@myrryhaweiss6467]

I gave up on jiffy years ago.. They just don't work well enough and oven sterilizing and mixing your own is so easy. :)

[@buymiamitopalmbeachh]

Hi, I ate the coconut meat n put extra water in fridge n its turned milky n has a bite to it. Is it still safe to drink? Also how do I easily grind up the empty shells?

[@irishiweredrunk22]

John, thank you for another great episode. I never heard of the Romberg Coconut Coir Pellets. What are the cost differences and where do you recommend finding the Coconut Coir Pellets? I would not mind trying them out. I also noticed that the Jiffy stunts the growth unless you remove the netting.

[@saphire82]

Hi, I'm a first time seed starter this year and used the jiffy peat pots. They worked great, I think you may have used cold water? For me they expanded as fast as the coconut pots, I just followed the directions which was to use warm water :)

[@Daraluz]

Where can we buy the Romberg coconut coir pellets? Please post a link.. I've tried googling but no luck so far.

[@ViceVersaMusik1]

Where did you get them seed starting domes

[@99thmonkeyresonance66]

Luke warm water for the coco peat pellets will have them soak up water just as fast as the coconut choir ones. Made that mistake a while ago, using room temp water. The only thing with using the Luke warm water is... well nothing. Note, I said LUKE WARM, not hot, not boiling, as the hotter the water is the longer it's going to take for the pellets to cool and return to room temp. Hope this helps someone.

[@99thmonkeyresonance66]

If your water is TOO HOT when you go to put your seeds in, they WILL DIE and will not germinate. I’m bringing this up bc a few ppl didn’t listen to me and just immediately dropped seeds in WITHOUT letting the water return to room temp and NONE of their seeds germinated! *So AGAIN, LUKE WARM WATER!!!* *NOT hot!* If anyone else loses seeds bc they’re too impatient, maybe learn how to sit on your hands for 5 mins at a time, increasing each time you succeed! Hope that helps!

[@arlenejohnson9597]

I used the Jiffy pellets this year as our weather has been crazy and still haven't been able to plant outside. Last night had sleet and snow here in OK. All of the plants that germinated have wilted and died after transplanting to plastic cups and Miracle gro seed starting soil. I also have lots of these black gnats all over. What are they from?? how to get rid of them. Thanks for any help.

[@jakemanshs]

Is there a big difference in cost between the coir and the peat? The coir had more per package in your vid. Thanks!!

[@BlackCat_2]

Where can I get the Romberg brand? I did some searching but can't seem to find anywhere near me or online to buy it... - Heidi

[@TheTampaChik]

Remove the netting from the peat pellets...I HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TO DO THAT!! I wonder if that's the reason that my pepper and eggplants never really grow that tall. Could you do a video about root compaction in a raised bed? I end up having to rent a tiller to break through the last season's old roots so in order to plant again.

[@jshvinfun1882]

Cool video. my only question is where did you get those cool little tray domes from ? They look really handy, does anyone know where i can find them?

[@ChiefAllDay562]

You look like you've wrestled some crocodiles before lol. Good video thanks for sharing.

[@FrostPlutarc]

John, (or anyone else) I have a question which I believe you can help settle for me. I was told that Peat Moss is renewable. It's that it will take 20 to 30 years to renew. At that rate it might be too slow to regenerate, depending on how much we are extracting. Is it true or just Hogwash. Thanks!

[@MainelyElectrons]

Loved the video, can you possibly do a video on common tomato issues and how to fix them? I'm currently losing all of my plants and I can't figure out why :(

[@cathyanderson8197]

Unrelated question: where are people getting the netting you use to grow living walls and living roofs? It's like a black netting with coco core and you sow the seeds in it and you can roll it up and then roll it onto your wall or roof? I'm trying to make it myself for a small area and I can't find out what that netting is. I'm about ready to use pantyhose

[@jrmym2]

Where'd you get the Romberg stuff? Can't find any place that sells it.

[@groovesme]

John has floaties! How gross! LOL I completely agree about not using the Jiffy Peat Pellets, I used the last of mine up this spring and don't plan on buying more. Not only is the peat a limited resource that is critical to the environment in Canada but those plastic and polyester linings are littering my garden. What is worse is I have found that they make my seedlings more leggy than growing in seed starting potting soil. I look forward to watching how these seedling progress I bet coir!

[@zbxable]

Thank you, John. Love your style.

[@bofaceof6541]

Do you have seed packs that could be grown in UK, ? Would love to try Australian veg in comparison to English, Cheers for all you do in education.

[@RisingStrong]

John where can we get Romberg products? and where did you get those greenhouses?

[@DudeBudlofski]

I noticed the same thing with the netting on the peat starters, my compost is full of them.They should really use a loose woven hemp fiber instead of plastic.

[@VirginiaRux]

Can't wait to see update

[@mauso12012]

ok if it is half off it is ok to use the non renewable stuff?

[@TheJakeRobinson]

You sold me on Romberg - you should become an affiliate for it on Amazon - I am looking for them now...

[@TheCrier]

John, another great video. Where did you buy the Romberg Coconut Coir Pellets?

[@amw1wilm]

how do i sterilize containers for starting seeds or do i have to worry about it

[@frzzlfry66]

The coir pellets always expand much more quickly than the peat pellets. That being said, I've never seen peat pellets take that long to expand at least a little bit... and I've used them hundreds of times. Maybe that was a cheaper variety, or a bad batch? Regardless, I like the peat pellets better. The coir pellets are lightning fast to expand, but they shed material and fall apart too easily. I simply peel the netting off just before I transplant my seedlings into peat pots with soil.

[@shivrajgoyal7854]

I want to know about Adenium plant's seeds & their implanting process. Would be thankful.

[@RT2BEAR]

Who makes the growing trays and domes? Where can I find some?

[@sn0fx]

boil some distilled water, let it cool somewhere between tea and coffee temps and the jiffy pods absorb in seconds.

[@tangieruffy]

John, where can I find these high quality tray with lid?or anyone,please?It is so hard to find....

[@queenlibbie]

Was wondering where did you purchase the dome container

[@leifcatt]

libbie cur-johnson I got the same ones at Lowe's. It was the end of the season and they were on sale for $5 each. they had coco pellets and a small packet of seeds with each one. I got one with tomatoes and one with cucumbers. They are the Romberg brand. They are very well made and have lasted me for 3 years with no deterioration of the plastic at all. These may last a lifetime which really makes them a wise purchase even at full price. ( I think they were$12.95)

[@queenlibbie]

Thanks

[@jeremiahjuarez3365]

Where can i get a greenhouse like that?

[@cl89521]

Hey John. I googled "Romberg Coconut Coir Pellets" and can't find them. Is it spelled correctly? I want to give them a try. Thanks for the great vids!

[@MsAsianNinja]

Question, I have tried to grow potatoes in the past and they get cherry tomato sized and then stop growing altogether. I live in CA and wait til the plant (leaves) dies and watch for the signs for them to be ready to pull but regardless they come out tiny and when cooked they taste roten/moldy/gross. :( Any suggestions? My soil was mixed with store bought veg fertilizer and is kinda clay like but I've tried to mix it to the best of my knowledge! :( :( :( :(

[@brianriggs8435]

With jiffy use warm to hot water and they go right up they say to use warm water

[@gardenvespers777]

Seeds need a reallly loose soil with good drainage. Unfortunately the jiffy pellets and the the miracle gro seed retain way too much water and don't provide enough soil aeration. (I learned that through experience unfortunately. :-( ) I saw that I had either no growth or very little but as soon as I transplanted it in looser soil (alot of vermiculite and perlite) they perked up and started growing. The Gnats are fungus gnats, the soil on top is too wet on top. Water from the bottom :-).

[@6996katmom]

I found your video. Where did you buy the domes? I looked online, but only found one for around $50. Can you help me?

[@beachbabe5032]

+6996katmom Try Walmart or Amazon

[@heavymechanic2]

+6996katmom I saw these domes at Johnny's Seeds in a pack of (5). BTW there is a clearance sale on seeds right now, some are only $1

[@beachbabe5032]

thank you

[@ashtonshawnoo8222]

I get these domes at my local degroots warehouse

[@jimsiefert898]

just a reminder that you can sterilize your soil in the mircrowave. I use compost in toilet paper tubes to start my seeds. I fill the tubes, microwave, let cool, then put in the seeds & water.

[@beachbabe5032]

Thanks John...very interesting..I appreciate your DETAILED information.. ;)

[@charlineboudreau6485]

are you able to mail seeds to Canada?

[@Derek_Wong]

John, I wanna buy some Romberg Coconut Coir Pellets. I found their website, but like I can't find a buy or purchase this item button on their website lol :(. Where do you get yours?

[@thorsbeat]

where did you get the mini greenhouses???

[@DavidPerezthebest]

John where can I get some of those contaniers?

[@auroriella]

Where is the video that talks about how the seeds germinated and grew in these? Further comparison?

[@whanauof5]

I love your little Greenhouses. What's the brand John?