If you ’re investigate making your own filth or wondering what your bagged dirt is composed of , you ’ve probably seen peat moss and coco coir on the ingredient leaning . These are common soil factor , but they ’re not one and the same ! Here are the main difference of opinion and similarities between peat moss vs coco coir .
In this clause , we ’ll cover :
What is Peat Moss?
Peat moss is one of the most popular ingredients formaking your own potting mixfor container garden . It islightweight , sterile , extremely absorptive and porousenough for flow of air while keep on pee .
While very easy to use , it does have a few drawbacks . It’snaturally acidic , so it needs Citrus aurantifolia to liquidate it for plants that do n’t like acid dirt . It also ishard to rehydrate when dried out . You ’ll notice this when you bury to water your plant , and your soil turns into a substantial brick .
The biggest drawback , however , is thesustainability issuessurrounding peat moss .
Peat moss
Sphagnum peat moss come from bog . peat bog are home to wildlife and rare plants and storage carbon , which is necessary for the engagement against climate modification . Even when harvested responsibly , replacing the baffled peat moss take many years .
you’re able to learn more about thesustainability number with peat moss here .
What is Coconut Coir?
Coconut coir ismade from the thriftlessness products of coconut husks . It has exceptional water - holding power , is lightweight , and is often marketed as a sustainable alternative to peat moss . It has a electroneutral pH but does n’t hold on to nutrients as well .
There is a extensive range of horticultural coconut coir products;some trade name may not perform well in potting soil , while others may be valuable addition . Before making a large investiture in purchase any coconut coir , quiz a few brands to recover one that works for you .
Peat Moss vs Coco Coir
So , which of the two is better for the garden ? Here ’s a crack-up of the good and negatively charged features of peat moss vs coco coir .
Coco Coir at a Glance
Peat Moss at a Glance
The verdict ? you could sure as shooting use both , but I tend to avoid sphagnum peat moss due to its sustainability issues . Coco coir tend to work just as well as peat moss ( if not better ) when mixed withcompost , Sir Tim Rice hulls , or perlite .
FAQ About Peat Moss and Coco Coir
Coconut coir is promoted as a peat moss option , often marketed as a ‘ peat ’ Cartesian product . There is some argumentation on whether it is unfeignedly more sustainable as the coir needs to be processed , which uses resources and can involve workers ’ health , not to cite the long space it will travel when shipped to temperate climates .
Most definitely!To make a peat moss alternative , I mix together 1 part coconut coir with 1 part compost and 1 part rice hull or perlite . Together , the 3 turn like peat moss , except it does n’t dry out and is pH neutral .
In most vitrine , coco coir is flashy than peat moss . Since coco coir is a by - product , there ’s more than enough to be sell stingily at garden centre . Peat moss needs to be specifically reap . In Canada , peat moss harvesting is highly regulated , making the process a small more intensive , which adds up to a gamy toll point in time .
Both coco coir and peat moss are popular ingredients in DIY potting ground recipes and can be mixed together .
When find the best soil ingredients and recipes , make out where your product come from . The more local , organic , and sustainable it is , the better . Depending on your current soil and locating , what works best for one someone may disagree from another !
More Posts to Read
Share this post:
