Buffered Coco Coir: Everything You Need to Know

If you're into gardening and are looking for an alternative growing medium that yields amazing results, then buffered coco coir might be just what you need. This versatile substrate, derived from coconut husks, has gained popularity among horticulturists due to its many benefits.

Buffered coco coir is an organic and sustainable option for nurturing plants, providing excellent water retention and aeration properties. This means your plants will receive the perfect balance of moisture and oxygen, leading to healthier root development and faster growth.

But what exactly is buffered coco coir? How is it different from the regular stuff? And how can you use it in your garden?

By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of what buffered coco coir is, how it can benefit your plants, and how to properly use it.

What does it mean to buffer coco coir?

Buffering refers to the process of preparing the substrate before using it for gardening. Coco coir, in its raw form, can be high in salts and have a low calcium to magnesium ratio. These high salt levels can be harmful to plants and can hinder their growth.

Buffering helps remove excess salts and balances the calcium to magnesium ratio, creating an optimal growing environment for your plants.

For our Coco Bliss, we source coconuts that grow far from the ocean to ensure low salt levels.

To buffer coco coir, you will need to rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any dust and debris. Next, soak the it in a solution of water and calcium nitrate or dolomite lime. This soaking process helps flush out the salts and adjust the calcium to magnesium ratio.

After soaking, rinse it again to remove any residual salts. Once the buffering process is complete, it is ready to use in your garden.

Buffering coco coir is an essential step to ensure the best growing conditions for your plants. It enhances the water retention and nutrient absorption capabilities of the substrate, promoting healthy root development and overall plant growth.

One thing to note is that if you are amending your soil that already has plenty of compost or worm castings, buffering isn't as important. There is likely already enough calcium and magnesium present that it will even out.

Benefits of using buffered coco coir

Using buffered coco coir in your garden offers numerous benefits for both your plants and the environment. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Excellent water retention: It has exceptional water retention properties, allowing it to hold moisture for extended periods. This ensures that your plants have a constant supply of water, reducing the risk of underwatering or overwatering. The improved water retention also means less frequent watering, saving you time and effort.
2. Optimal aeration: Coco coir has excellent porosity, providing ample oxygen to the roots of your plants. The airy structure of the substrate allows for proper air circulation, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged and promoting healthy root growth. The improved aeration also reduces the risk of root rot and other fungal diseases.
3. Enhanced nutrient absorption: Buffered coco coir has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), which means it has a strong ability to retain and exchange nutrients. This allows the plants to efficiently absorb and utilize the available nutrients, leading to healthier and more productive growth. Additionally, the neutral pH ensures that the nutrients in the soil are readily available to the plants.
4. Sustainable and eco-friendly: It is a renewable resource that helps reduce waste by making use of coconut husks that would otherwise be discarded. By choosing buffered coco coir, you are opting for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional soil. It is also free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, creating a safe and organic growing environment for your plants.
5. Versatile and easy to use: It can be used in various gardening applications, including container gardening, raised beds, and hydroponic systems. Its lightweight and compact nature make it easy to handle and transport. Coco coir can be used as a standalone growing medium or mixed with other ingredients to create a custom blend tailored to your plant's specific needs.

How to buffer coco coir

Buffering coco coir is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to buffer coco coir:

1. Rinse the coco coir: Start by thoroughly rinsing it with water to remove any dust and debris. This can be done by placing the coco coir in a large container or tub with small holes in the bottom and running water through it until the water runs clear.
2. Prepare the buffering solution: In a separate container, mix a buffering solution using either calcium nitrate or dolomite lime. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for the recommended dosage. The buffering solution helps remove excess salts and balances the calcium to magnesium ratio in the coco coir.
3. Soak the coco coir: Place the rinsed coco coir in a clean container or tub and pour the buffering solution over it. Make sure it is fully submerged in the solution. Allow it to soak for at least 24 hours. During this time, the coco coir will absorb the solution, helping flush out the salts and improve its nutrient-holding capacity.
4. Rinse again: After the soaking period, drain the excess solution and rinse it thoroughly with water. This step is essential to remove any residual salts or buffering solution from the substrate.
5. Squeeze out excess water: Once rinsed, squeeze out any excess water. You want the substrate to be moist but not dripping wet. Avoid compacting or squeezing the it too tightly, as this can hinder its ability to retain water and provide proper aeration.
6. Fluff and loosen: Finally, fluff and loosen the coco coir to create a light and airy texture. This will help promote optimal drainage and root growth. It is now ready to use in your garden.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your coco coir is properly buffered and ready to provide the best growing conditions for your plants.

Tips for using buffered coco coir in gardening

Using buffered coco coir in your gardening endeavors can yield excellent results. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this versatile growing medium:

1. Choose the right type: Coco coir comes in different forms, including compressed bricks, loose fibers, and pre-mixed blends. Consider your specific gardening needs and choose the type that best suits your requirements. Compressed bricks are convenient for storage and transportation, while loose fibers provide more flexibility in terms of volume and ratio. Coco Bliss has very little fibers, since we've found that's what most growers prefer. 
2. Mix with other ingredients: While buffered coco coir can be used as a standalone growing medium, it can also be mixed with other ingredients to create a custom blend. Adding perlite or vermiculite can improve drainage, while compost or worm castings can enhance nutrient content. Experiment with different ratios to find the ideal mix for your plants.
3. Ensure proper drainage: While coco coir has excellent water retention properties, it is essential to provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. Make sure your pots or containers have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Consider layering the bottom of the container with small stones or pebbles to further improve drainage.
4. Monitor watering frequency: Coco coir retains moisture well, so it's important to monitor the watering needs of your plants. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Allow the top layer to dry out slightly before watering again, ensuring a balance between moisture retention and proper aeration.
5. Provide appropriate nutrients: While it can contain some natural nutrients, it's important to supplement with additional fertilizers or organic amendments. Choose a balanced fertilizer that meets the specific nutritional requirements of your plants. Regularly monitor the nutrient levels in the coco coir to ensure your plants receive adequate nourishment.
6. Maintain proper pH levels: Coco coir has a neutral pH, which is suitable for a wide range of plants. However, over time, the pH can become acidic due to the breakdown of organic matter. Monitor the pH levels regularly using a pH meter or test kit and adjust as necessary. Adding dolomite lime can help maintain a balanced pH and ensure optimal nutrient uptake.
7. Reuse and recycle: Coco coir is a sustainable growing medium that can be reused multiple times. After each growing cycle, remove the plant roots and debris and rinse it thoroughly. Buffer it again if necessary before using it for another round of planting. Reusing coco coir not only reduces waste but also helps maintain the nutrient content of the substrate.

By following these tips, you can harness the full potential of buffered coco coir and create a thriving garden environment for your plants.

Common misconceptions about buffered coco coir

Buffered coco coir has gained popularity among gardeners, but there are still some misconceptions surrounding its use. Let's address some of the common misconceptions and clarify the facts:

1. It is the same as peat moss: While both coco coir and peat moss are used as growing mediums, they have distinct differences. It is derived from coconut husks, while peat moss is composed of decomposed sphagnum moss. Coco coir is a renewable resource, whereas peat moss is not. Coco coir also has better water retention and aeration properties compared to peat moss. Additionally, if peat moss gets too dry, it can become a bit aquaphobic
2. Buffering coco coir is unnecessary: Buffering coco coir is an important step to remove excess salts and balance the calcium to magnesium ratio. Raw coco coir can contain high levels of salts, which can be harmful to plants. Buffering helps create an optimal growing environment and ensures that your plants receive the necessary nutrients without the risk of salt build-up. That being said, Coco Bliss uses coconuts that are grown far from the ocean to help reduce the levels of salt.
3. It is acidic: While it does have a neutral pH, over time, the breakdown of organic matter can make it slightly acidic. However, this can be easily corrected by adding dolomite lime to the coco coir. Dolomite lime helps maintain a balanced pH and ensures optimal nutrient uptake by the plants.
4. It attracts pests: Coco coir is naturally resistant to pests and diseases. Its structure and composition make it difficult for pests to thrive. However, it's always a good practice to inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures if necessary.
5. Coco coir is not suitable for all plants: Coco coir is suitable for a wide range of plants, from seedlings to mature crops. Its neutral pH and excellent water retention and aeration properties make it a versatile growing medium. However, certain plants with specific soil requirements may not thrive in coco coir alone. It's important to research your plant's specific needs and make any necessary adjustments to the coco coir or nutrient supplementation.

By understanding these misconceptions and clarifying the facts, you can make informed decisions when using buffered coco coir in your garden.

Comparing buffered and non-buffered coco coir

While both buffered and non-buffered coco coir can be used as growing mediums, there are some key differences between the two. Let's compare buffered and non-buffered to help you make an informed decision:

1. Salt content: Non-buffered coco coir can have high salt levels, which can be detrimental to plants. Buffered coco coir, on the other hand, undergoes a process to remove excess salts, creating a more plant-friendly environment. If you choose to use non-buffered it, you will need to buffer it yourself before use, unless you're adding in your own organic compost or worm castings.
2. Calcium to magnesium ratio: Non-buffered coco coir often has an imbalanced calcium to magnesium ratio. Buffering it helps balance this ratio, ensuring that your plants receive the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. A proper calcium to magnesium ratio is important for the overall health and growth of your plants.
3. Convenience: Buffered coco coir is ready to use straight out of the package, saving you time and effort. Non-buffered coco coir requires additional steps to remove salts and balance the calcium to magnesium ratio. If you prefer a hassle-free gardening experience, buffered coco coir is the way to go.
4. Consistency: Buffered coco coir is more consistent in terms of its properties and nutrient content. Non-buffered coco coir can vary in quality and nutrient composition, depending on the source and processing methods. Buffered coco coir provides a reliable and standardized growing medium for your plants.
5. Ease of use: Buffered coco coir is user-friendly and suitable for gardeners of all skill levels. It provides a stable and forgiving growing environment for plants. Non-buffered coco coir requires careful buffering and monitoring to ensure the right consistency.

In A Coco-nutshell, To Buffer, Or To Not Buffer?

After going over just about everything that there is about buffered coco coir. You should have a pretty good idea of where to start, what to use, and how to use it.

Buffering can seem like a daunting process, but after the first time you'll realize that it's not that big of a deal. It's worth mentioning again that if you already have a well-established soil, you likely don't need to buffer at all.

With a decent amount of high-quality compost, organic matter, or worm castings; adding coco coir without buffering shouldn't be enough to throw off the already established soil biology enough to make much of a difference.

Have you ever buffered coco coir? Go ahead and share your experience below in the comments!

We now have Buffered Coco Bliss! 

Click the link here to check out our new Buffered Coco Bliss! Happy Growing!