Growing knowledge.

How to Prepare Cocopeat for Planting

Compressed cocopeat is easy to prepare. The Native Roots catalogue describes a four-step process: soak, wait, fluff and mix with your planting medium.

1. Place the block in a tub and add the amount of water recommended for the particular pack.
2. Allow time for the medium to absorb water and expand.
3. Fluff by hand until no dry lumps remain.
4. For plants needing nutrients, blend with appropriate soil and vermicompost rather than relying on plain cocopeat alone.

Choosing the Right Growing Medium

For everyday pots and seed trays, compact cocopeat briquettes are convenient. Blocks offer larger quantities of compressed cocopeat; grow bags expand in place; flower and vegetable soils are designed for more specialised planting purposes.

Consider your plant, container size, drainage and nutrient needs before choosing a growing medium.

Simple Tips for Healthier Plant Roots

Use suitable growing media with drainage holes. Water when the top layer feels dry rather than leaving roots standing in water. Keep stored growing media dry and shaded until needed.

For seedlings and sensitive plants, choose washed Low EC cocopeat as described in the catalogue. Use suitable nutrients because cocopeat alone is not a complete feeding solution.