Traditional soil might still be used a lot for gardening, but nowadays people are looking for more sustainable and eco-friendly growing medium options. Coco peat becomes the answer for this need and it is also great for seed starting. Cocopeat seed starting mix must be prepared properly if you want to germinate seeds successfully.
Selecting Coco Peat
With the rising popularity of coco peat as a growing medium, you will find a variety of coco peat products in the market. Different types of coco peat might be suitable for different gardening purposes. Of course, you need to choose coco peat that can be suitable for seed starting purposes.
What kind of coco peat is suitable for seeds starting? It is recommended to use coco peat discs or netted coco peat coins for seeds germination purposes. Both coco peat products can retain water and support air circulation optimally that are crucial for germinating seeds.
Preparing Coco Peat
Once you have the perfect cocopeat for nursery, you can start preparing the coco peat as a seed starting medium. The very first thing you have to do is to hydrate the coco peat. You can do that by soaking the coco peat in enough water. After 10-15 minutes, your coco peat will get bigger, fluffy, and soft.
Yes, you need coco peat medium to provide enough moisture for the seeds to germinate, but you do not want this level of water within your coco peat. Draining excess water from the coco peat is crucial before using it for seed starting.
Planting the Seeds
Now, you can plant the seeds by placing one seed on each coco peat disc or coin. Do not forget to gently press the seed to make it enter the coco peat properly. Cocopeat seed starting mix still needs to cover the seeds to help them grow properly. Just remember to not bury the seeds too deep.
Providing the Right Conditions
Your seeds need the right conditions to germinate properly. The seeds’ surroundings must be warm and get enough light. However, they do not like direct sunlight. You need to keep the coco peat medium moist during the whole process of germination, but you actually do not need to water the medium too often.
Transplanting the Seedlings
After a few true leaves appear on your seedlings, you can transplant them to bigger containers. Cocopeat seed starting mix is great for seed starting, but you can also use coco peat growing medium to support the seedlings’ next life stages.