Can I use coco coir instead of soil for growing?

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plsfoldthx

Active Member
Here's the problem. I don't have a car and the closest supply store is 3 miles away so I was thinking of ordering some compressed coco coir to grow my plants from seed to harvest from worms way. Can I do this? Or is coco more of a supplement like perlite?
 
mustaineaddict

mustaineaddict

Member
Depending on where you live you might just be able to step outside and use the soil in your backyard. I live in the midwest and i've grown a half dozen plants using the dirt from outside. I understand though that I come from an area with some of the most fertile soil on Earth, but if its an option take it.
 
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plsfoldthx

Active Member
Hey I'm in the midwest too... Illinois actually. But I live in an apartment so I don't know where I'm gonna find soil. All I see is grass.
 
tkufoS

tkufoS

Well-Known Member
the compressed coco just needs rehydrating and mixed with perlite.......check out coco-growers unite thread it's a good read and you may get more answers
 
upthearsenal

upthearsenal

Well-Known Member
you can grow in straight coco (i have outdoor pepper plants in coco), but it can dry out quickly due to the high air ratio.

don't use outdoor soil from your yard, that is a huge mistake and can cost you greatly. the time and effort you can put into getting decent soil is worth it.
 
Schotzky

Schotzky

Well-Known Member
coco can retain some salts that can cause problems but as long as you water with distilled water everyother watering that should be a problem.
however i do recommend soil if you have to choose. i use fox farm ocean forest/happy frog but there are many other good ones. avoid miracle grow, ive grown successfully using it but you have little control what your plant is eating with the "3 month slow release food" stuff
 
JP1

JP1

Well-Known Member
Coco coir is a 'preferred' medium for some growers. Coco offers the advantage of low density allowing air to flow throught the medium which is ideal for cannabis plants. It is also a nutritous medium however must be watered more often then others as it will dry out quicker. Add water storing crystals to overcome this if frequnt watering is a problem. add cow shit for fertiliser, best fertiliser around.
 
upthearsenal

upthearsenal

Well-Known Member
JP1 said:
Coco coir is a 'preferred' medium for some growers. Coco offers the advantage of low density allowing air to flow throught the medium which is ideal for cannabis plants. It is also a nutritous medium however must be watered more often then others as it will dry out quicker. Add water storing crystals to overcome this if frequnt watering is a problem. add cow shit for fertiliser, best fertiliser around.
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sorry but i don't know about the reliability of this advice. coco is a soiless medium and is inert (no nutrition at all), you have to add your own nutrients. i also don't think any kind of manure is coco safe, there are specific nutrients for coco, but i just use basic hydro-organic liquid fertilizers. you also have to keep the pH at hydroponic levels
 
F

funk ya

Member
I used a sand and coco mix small rock mix, it drains better than strain coco but, coco by its self is like a big sponge basically... I am using just coco now, and I liked it better mixed with sand and small rock for its draining properties. But you loose some air, getting to the roots ...
 
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