SCHNEIDER Real Estate, Inc.
Roger Schneider, SCHNEIDER Real Estate, Inc.
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Coconut coir vs peat moss: Which should you use?

by Roger Schneider 09/01/2024

If you’re a gardening or houseplant enthusiast, you may have already pondered the choice of coconut coir vs peat moss. Your choice of growing medium can make an enormous difference in the health and success of your plants, so it’s important to understand the benefits and disadvantages of each option.

What is coconut coir?

Coconut coir, also called coco coir or coco peat, is made from the leftovers of coconut processing. The coconut husk fiber is broken down into a light but chunky texture perfect for adding to soil. It’s usually sold in bricks and must be broken apart before you can use it as an amendment in potting soil.

What is peat moss?

Peat moss comes from the decomposed remains of sphagnum moss and other organic matter found in peat bogs. It’s been a popular potting soil amendment for over a century because of its ability to hold on to moisture and nutrients. Peat moss is widely available and usable right out of the bag or container.

How they compare

Peat moss is more acidic than coco coir, making it perfect for plants that love highly acidic soil. However, coco coir’s neutral pH range makes it more suitable for a wider variety of plants. Both materials are extremely efficient for absorbing and holding on to moisture, but coir has a tendency to dry out more quickly than moss.

One point of controversy when deciding between the two is sustainability. Peat moss is harvested from nature and can take decades to replenish itself. Coco coir, by contrast, is a waste product of coconut processing. Coconut trees are plentiful and quick-growing, making coir an easily renewable resource.

Ultimately, the decision between coconut coir and peat moss is up to the individual gardener. However, if you’re interested in sustainable gardening practices, ecologists recommend using coco coir as a soil conditioner instead of peat moss to help preserve a quickly diminishing resource.

About the Author
Author

Roger Schneider

SCHNEIDER Real Estate, my family's business has been at the forefront of our area's Real Estate transactions for over 40 years! With experiences in the following areas; St. Charles, St. Louis, Lincoln, Warren, Jefferson County, I help both buyers and sellers meet their real estate objectives. I have extensive knowledge of each of the communities located in and around St. Charles, and I will work tirelessly on your behalf to make your next St. Peters home buying or OFallen home selling experience a pleasant and successful one.For sellers, it is my commitment to help sell your home or property in a timely fashion while helping you attain the highest possible price for your real estate. If you are interested in receiving a free home valuation, I encourage you to fill out my free home valuation form.For buyers looking for homes or other real estate opportunities here in St. Charles or other surrounding communities, I will work with you to find your ideal home. I will provide you with all of the necessary tools for finding the right property. From free access to search almost all St. Charles, St. Louis, Lincoln, Warren, Jefferson County area homes, to the ability to fill out My Dream Home Finder Form, everything I can possibly provide will be at your service. In addition, once we've narrowed down what you are looking for, we can begin the home showing process so you can get a closer look at the homes that should be a good fit. I help negotiate the best possible deal for my clients with each and every real estate transaction.Nothing satisfies me more than seeing the smiles that come with a successful real estate transaction. Thanks again for considering me as your Realtor.