#cococoir — Public Fediverse posts

So, even if some peat (Canadian peat) is allegedly harvested *sustainably*, I'm thinking this article lays out the problems with using #Peat succinctly and without the hype!

#CornellCooperativeExtension - #PeatMoss and #Sustainability

Excerpt: "Besides #overharvesting, #PeatBogs, #Fens and #PeatSwamps are threatened by climate change, habitat and nearby developments that can change the nature of surrounding areas. They are sensitive to disturbance. There is research that suggests that harvesting of peat bogs adds to climate change by releasing carbon stored in these bogs.

"Peat bogs and fens in America are where #CarnivorousPlants, like #sundews, #bladderworts and #PitcherPlants, and #BogOrchids live side-by-side. The acidic nature of bogs/fens and humidity create the perfect environment for peat moss, orchids and carnivorous plants. #Peatlands are also home to other species that rely on their composition. #Turtles, birds such as #PalmWarblers and #EasternTowhees, #snakes and #grouse, to name a few.

"There are alternatives to peat moss that are more sustainable. #CocoCoir is a material made from the fibers of the coconut husk. When dried, it is packaged into bricks. Once re-hydrated, it can be used in garden containers to both absorb water and keep the soil from drying out. It can be used in the potting mix or on top of the soil instead of mulch. #RiceHulls can be used for drainage in container plant pots. Both coco coir and rice hulls are sustainable. Additionally, #compost can be used in place of peat moss. Coco coir, rice hulls and compost can all be used alone or mixed in with a commercial potting mix to make using peat moss more sustainable."

Learn more:
https://cce.cornell.edu/orleans/peat-moss-and-sustainability

#SolarPunkSunday #PeatAlternatives #PottingSoil #Sustainability #Gardening #GrowYourOwn #CoconutCoir

Crafting the Perfect [#PeatFree] Starting Mix for Seeds & Planting Success

"Seed Starting Mix Ingredients

- #CocoCoir - Coconut husk fiber is the main growing medium in this recipe. Pro-Tip: When purchasing coco coir, pay attention to the product's grade (or coarseness) and salt content. You do not want chipped shells or particulates in it. I recommend ultra-fine premium grade A compressed coco coir blocks that are already triple-washed to remove salt.

- Vermiculite - Vermiculite is critical in your seed starting mix. It is an expanded volcanic rock that is very porous, allowing it to hold onto water and nutrients so they don’t drain through the soil.

- Perlite - Perlite is an expanded volcanic glass used in high-quality seed starting mixes to prevent compaction and allow better drainage. There are different grades of perlite. I prefer using fine to medium perlite. Extra-fine will work, too, but you will need to add more of it.

- Water - Warm water works best and speeds up the process, but you can also use cold water if that is all you have available.

- Fertilizer - Most seed starting mixes do not contain fertilizer. Since we are making our own, we can add it right into the seed starting mix. Choose a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as Trifecta+ and/or a gentle fertilizer like worm castings." [I plan on using worm castings.]

Learn more:
https://migardener.com/blogs/blog/starting-mix-for-seeds/
#Gardening #SeedStartingMix #SeedStarting #SolarPunkSunday #PeatFreeStartingMix

#DIY - #PeatFree! Crafting the Perfect #SeedStarting Mix for Seeds & Planting Success

Written by: Luke Marion
Published on February 6, 2025

"I’ll tell you how to make and use an easy DIY starting mix for seeds that can give your plants an amazing boost, help them grow healthy, and save you money.

"Let’s grow bigger!

"Seed Starting Mix Ingredients

- #CocoCoir - Coconut husk fiber is the main growing medium in this recipe. Pro-Tip: When purchasing coco coir, pay attention to the product's grade (or coarseness) and salt content. You do not want chipped shells or particulates in it. I recommend ultra-fine premium grade A compressed coco coir blocks that are already triple-washed to remove salt.
- Vermiculite - Vermiculite is critical in your seed starting mix. It is an expanded volcanic rock that is very porous, allowing it to hold onto water and nutrients so they don’t drain through the soil.
- Perlite - Perlite is an expanded volcanic glass used in high-quality seed starting mixes to prevent compaction and allow better drainage. There are different grades of perlite. I prefer using fine to medium perlite. Extra-fine will work, too, but you will need to add more of it.
- Water - Warm water works best and speeds up the process, but you can also use cold water if that is all you have available.
-Fertilizer - Most seed starting mixes do not contain fertilizer. Since we are making our own, we can add it right into the seed starting mix. Choose a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as Trifecta+ and/or a gentle fertilizer like #WormCastings."

Learn more:
https://migardener.com/blogs/blog/starting-mix-for-seeds/
#SeedStarting #SolarPunkSunday #DIYSeedStartingMix #Gardening