Coco coir vs soil

Just wondering how people are getting on with using coco coir instead of soil when planting in containers. Im thinking of trying this in a pot

Also if something is advertised as Coco coir compost , does this mean they have mixed in compost with the coco coir ???

 

Personally not a fan unless it's for growing seeds. Zero nutrients and will either bog out or dry out depending on situation. Peat compost, grit and topsoil will never be beaten for pot cultivation for me.

 

I use it for seed growing and young plants only. The one I buy - Mr Fothergills available in B&M - has got added nutrients. I raised all my seedlings in it this year and had good success rates.

For containers I use a cheap peat free compost and mix it with some of my own garden compost, garden soil, grit etc according to the plant's requirements. The bought compost is good for bulk but I don't rely on it for nutrients.

The big advantage of the coir is being able to buy it in compressed blocks, which makes it easier to transport and store.

 

I use Coir mixed with equal mix of my own compost bin contents.
It works fine for me.

 

Will need clever brains to argue virtue of transporting material c4000 miles from Sri Lanka for single use with its inherent carbon footprint against no more than c200 miles from NI

 

Very true, but I do use my own compost from 70 feet away.

 

I used the coir ( compressed bales ) for making up a medium for Orchids. Haven't come across a Coco coir compost altho I haven't particularly looked.
The ingredients of any compost are usually listed on the sacks. Otherwise it is a matter of asking the supplier before purchasing.

 

Hi

I have used , reminds me of old tea bags when they split open with the texture , I have found it holds too much water and needs xtra feed adding , it’s ok to use up to mix with other compost to help bulk it up , but not by itself

so not a fan

 

Ha!
Double your composting and save the planet !!

 

Tell that to the Royals and Country Leaders who fly all over the world

 

It wouldn't matter but they keep flying back !

 

Has anyone used it as a substitute for soil ? not as a substitute for compost

 

I've never knowingly used coir, its something different from soil and not really a sustitute.

Its like saying is peat or garden compost a substitute for soil, they are different substances IMO.

 

How exactly do you want to use it? In your pots as part of the mix in which case you will have even lighter pots more likely to fall over.