Expanding the cocoblock is the first step before using this planting medium. Unfortunately, not many people know How to expand cocoblock. They can’t use this planting medium optimally.
To prevent that problem from happening, we will help you learn more about how to perform this first step of preparing cocoblock for planting plants. Therefore, you get all the benefits from cocopeat. Here is a guide on how to expand cocoblock to make it easy to use.
Preparation
Prepare all the tools you need to expand the cocoblock. For example, prepare the cocopeat block, container, and other tools you need to mix it. Then, open the product package. Check and ensure there is no damage or defects.
Soaking and Expansion
Now, you are ready to expand the cocoblock. Below, we have a simple guide for your reference:
- Place the cocoblock in a container. Preferably, the large one, so it can soak the whole cocoblock.
- Add water. Do it slowly. It is necessary to ensure even saturation.
- Tap water is sufficient to drown the cocoblock.
- Ensure the cocoblock soak completely.
- Wait for several minutes. Try it for 30-40 minutes. Some products can expand optimally with just 10 minutes of waiting.
Keep monitoring the cocoblock. This is the critical step on How to expand cocoblock. It lets you know when it is prepared to rinse.
Rinse
You need to wait until it almost fully expands. Then, add flowing water again to ensure it is fully soaked. This is the rinse step. That is crucial to make it secure to use.
The purpose of rinsing the cocoblock is to remove the excess salt content. The excess salt can reduce its water retention ability. Thus, the high salt content holds the growth speed. That is another essential thing you need to know about how to using cocoblock.
After you see the desired form of cocopeat, you can remove the water. Make sure you squeeze the expanded cocopeat to remove the excess water. Do not let it dry before placing it inside the plant container. The moisture inside the expanded cocopeat helps the watering needs.
Final Words
The preparation for using cocoblock as a planting medium is quite easy to do. You need no professional help to prepare it. Follow our guide to ensure you know How to expand cocoblock properly. That way you will get one of the best planting mediums for your garden, hydroponic farm, or nursery.