Many gardeners enjoy the amazing benefits of coco peat blocks as growing media. You might want to try using this media for your gardening activities, but finding some problems. Troubleshooting cocoblock use might be needed especially for beginner coconut peat blocks users, after all.
Can You Use Coco Peat Block as It Is?
You cannot use the coco peat block straight from the packaging because it is actually coconut peat that has been compressed into block form. To make it into a growing medium that can be used for planting, you need to hydrate it first by putting it in a large container and water it gradually. You need to wait until the coco peat becomes larger and breaks apart. It means that the coco peat has absorbed water successfully.
If you can still find some chunks remaining, you just need to break them apart using a garden tool or your hands. Once it becomes loose and fluffy, you need to drain the excess water before using it for planting.
Although you can use it as a main component for potting mixes, you should combine it with other material, including compost, vermiculite, or perlite to balance the mixture. The right ratio can improve aeration, capacity for holding nutrients, and water retention.
Can You Use Coco Peat Block for Starting Seeds?
Yes, coco peat is great for starting seeds. The method on how to using cocoblock is easy because you only need to put hydrated coco peat in small pots or seed trays. You just need to plant the seeds by following the instructions on the packet.
Can You Mix Coco Peat Block into Garden Soil?
Mixing coco peat into your garden soil can promote better soil aeration, structure, and also capability of water retention. You can find great benefits when mixing coco peat with clay or sandy soils.
Can You Use Coco Peat Block as a Mulch?
Troubleshooting cocoblock use for mulching is easy since coco peat can be great for regulating soil temperature, controlling weeds, and retaining soil moisture. You only need to put a layer of well-hydrated coco peat around the base of your plants. Just remember not to cause a direct contact between the coco peat and the stems.
Is It Okay to Reuse Coco Peat Media?
The decomposition rate of coco peat can be considered slow which means that you can use it again for a new growing cycle. However, used coco peat might have high salinity. Troubleshooting cocoblock use for this condition is simple because you only need to rinse it properly and rehydrate it one more time before reusing it.