Peat Free Coir Compost

Peat free compost is a natural and eco-friendly multipurpose compost. It is a peat free alternative made from the waste-products of coconuts and by definition a form of recycling.

It comes as compressed 'bricks' and soak to expand into a loose, fibrous potting medium. Coir compost is notable for producing good root structure, retains water well and is a good base for mixing your own compost.

How is Coir Compost Made?

Coir is made from the pith found between the coconut fibers. The pith then gets washed, heat-treated, sieved to remove large and unwantedd particles, and graded. This is then often compressed into blocks or bricks, ready to be soaked before using.

Why use coir compost?

Coir is peat free, but what does this mean? Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter, commonly found in bogs or moors, and takes hundreds of years to form. Coir is made from the pith - a byproduct of coconuts going to be wasted - and since coconuts continue to grow throughout the year, they can be harvested every two months, making them highly sustainable.

Common advantages:

• It decomposes at a slower rate and lasts longer in the soil.
• Free of weeds.
• Less acidic soil pH.
• Improves air porosity in soils.
• Improves moisture retention.

How to use a coir brick?

Place the compressed coir brick in a large container. The brick will increase about six times in volume; make sure your container is large enough to hold it. An 5 kg brick will make approximately 60 liters of coir.

Add water as instructed on the packaging. For the 5 kg brick this will be 5 litres of water or more if needed.

Wait 20 minutes for the block to soak up the water and the brick has expanded and softened. It should crumble in your hands at this point.

Break-up and stir to create a light, open mixture that resembles compost.

The coir is now ready to use.