Potting Soil Absorption and Coconut Coir

[DoubleDogFarm]

Wasn't sure what to title this post.

Thought this maybe useful information for some of you.

I loaded up my watering shelf last night with 12 new 1020 flats w/ (18 ) 4" pots each. The pots are filled with 50/50 peat and perlite.

I'm not sure where the measuring line is on a 33 gallon garbage can, but I started with water up at the top. After the absorption the can was about half full.

[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Greenhouse%20Photos/DSC03249.jpg[/img]

Edited:
I bought two blocks of Coir just to check it out. Wow! Cool stuff.
[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Greenhouse%20Photos/DSC03255.jpg[/img]

After pouring about 15 gallons into a block, like you see in the photo, It filled a contractor size wheelbarrow. It was like the expanding foam you get in a can. The more water I threw at it, the bigger in volume.

I'm convinced no more peat. Know what do I use instead of perlite.

Eric

[Troppofoodgardener]

I use coconut coir for my worm farm. The earthworms seem to like it!

[Halfway]

DDF, I am using coir as the medium for all germination up-pots. They will get a weak nutrient solution after a couple weeks bottom fed.

I have eliminated all soil in the beasement for hydro and starts. The blocks are cheap, they absorb rapidly and evenly, and will do well once planted in the raised beds and containers. They will make a non-intrusive ammendment to those soils.

I also understand the coir products now in comparison to years ago are sterile and PH neutral and do not require any kind of rinsing. If I had to go to that kind of trouble, I would not be using it.

Love that wheelbarrow pic!

[kimbledawn]

Great Pic. I have used coir as my potting base for three seasons and I love it Mixed with castings and other things I throw in I have been very happy. Have fun!

[DoubleDogFarm]

I also understand the coir products now in comparison to years ago are sterile and PH neutral and do not require any kind of rinsing. If I had to go to that kind of trouble, I would not be using it.

[img]https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/eric_wa/Greenhouse%20Photos/DSC03264.jpg[/img]
On the label it states, "Neutral to slightly acidic pH". Nothing about being sterile? As soon as I add my organic concoction it's no longer sterile anyway.

Product of India, I would like it to be a little closer to home. Distributors, Eugene Oregon.

Eric