Cocopeat grows well in a variety
What is cocopeat? Cocopeat grows well in a variety of tropical plants such as, palms, maples, spires, fruit trees and vegetables. It is a green, dry type of cocoon that contains lots of water. It is usually used for making edible compost.
Cocopeat can be classified as a sub-type of swaddling ground cover or soil, which is created by mixing coconuts with humus (or dead leaves and wood) in a moist bottomed container. Cocopeat can also be referred to as coconut fiber or dry coconut soil, which is the finest sub-form of soil found in shallow tropical forests. This is highly beneficial not only to the plant itself, but also to the environment. It provides ample moisture, contains carbon, nitrogen and clay all in the same soil, without the presence of added organic matter.
Cocopeat can retain its moisture for a long time (up to three years) since it is highly permeable to air, and a very slow-growing plant. It is often used in raised gardens where the plants grow fast and therefore need a fast moisture source. During heavy rain, it drains the water quickly out of the soil to prevent the roots from drying out. In case of leaching, it is treated with chemicals. This leads to improved root growth, fewer weeds and healthier plant growth.
What Is Cocopeat
Since it is highly porous and has low-carbon and high water retention characteristics, it makes an excellent substitute for natural soil when used for wetland gardening. It helps to conserve nutrients and moisture and improves plant growth by adding nutrients needed for plant growth and by retaining moisture. Moreover, it can also be used as a substitute for peat moss in open clay soil when used in open, sandy areas.
The benefits of cocopeat include: low maintenance, weed control, shade in shade tolerant plants, water retaining qualities, improves plant growth and is easily available. It is also low in cost and easy to make. You just need to mix it with humate, silt and clay and spread it over the soil. Within four years, it will provide full shade and moisture and at the same time, it can be fertilized to improve nitrogen and phosphorous content.
The best way to make your own cocopeat in your garden is to buy them from garden centers and other places that sell such mulch materials. They come in a number of different shapes, sizes and colors. You can also make some add-ons to enhance the texture, color and holding capacity of the final product. For instance, you can mix some sand with the mix. Also, there are some other additives you can add to improve the taste of your soil like sea salt or baking soda. If you are able to do so, you will enjoy its benefits for at least four years or more.