Commercial Frequently Asked Questions

• Will using coir-growing media give me an increase in yield and quality?
  
• I have been using a fertiliser that leaves a waxy layer on the surface of my stock tank. What might it be and how can I change it?
  
• Why do my coir grow bags take a day to hydrate and still not fill the bag?
  
• I have noticed that the root development in my coir outdoor pots early in the season is more advanced than other potting mixes. Why is this?
  
• When is the best time to pot or re-pot my plants?
  
• I have had a bad outbreak of black spot this year. Can I do more to stem this problem?
  
• I am a cut rose grower. Should I change my cutting management practice for spring?
  
• I am growing Gerbera commercially and have found in spring and summer last year that I had some leaf burning, why is this? And what can I do to prevent it this year?
  
• How do I know if I have over-watered a plant in a coir based growing media ?

Q1 . Will using coir-growing media give me an increase in yield and quality?

A1. It can greatly increase yield and quality when matched with good growing practices.

Q2. I have been using a fertiliser that leaves a waxy layer on the surface of my stock tank. What might it be and how can I change it?

A2. It is probably a residual of the coating from the calcium nitrate. To fix this problem you may need to change your source of calcium nitrate.

Q3. Why do my coir grow bags take a day to hydrate and still not fill the bag?

A3. It is because your supplier is using old coir technology and low quality coir that is wrong for using in the production of grow bags or grow pots. At CaseTech Australia we have developed a new ‘snapback’ technology that works with premium grade coir and will hydrate to full expansion every time in minutes or as fast as you can supply the required amount of water.

Q4. I have noticed that the root development in my coir outdoor pots early in the season is more advanced than other potting mixes. Why is this?

A4.It is because the air filled porosity in the coir is higher than most other mixes and the media stays 4-5 degrees warmer through winter without a perched water table, which encourages root growth.

Q5. When is the best time to pot or re-pot my plants?

A5. In the springtime before spring growth, unless spring flowering shrub, then after flowering.

Q6. . I have had a bad outbreak of black spot this year. Can I do more to stem this problem?

A6. You need to limit the time that dew or free moisture is on the leaves. If you’re growing in a greenhouse you will probably not have a problem with black spot on your roses because the growing area is covered.

Q7. I am a cut rose grower. Should I change my cutting management practice for spring?

A7. As you come into springtime you can cut harder on your roses because the plants don’t need as many leaves with increasing sunlight. This will open the bush to help obtain better breaks from lower on the plant and will make it easier to spray.

Q8.I am growing Gerbera commercially and have found in spring and summer last year that I had some leaf burning, why is this? And what can I do to prevent it this year?

A8. Coming into spring with increased light levels and temperatures you need to shade to stop plants from over heating. Your plants will also need increased watering with higher temperature and longer days.

Q9. How do I know if I have over-watered a plant in a coir based growing media ?

A9. If the coir growing media looks sodden like the picture, you have over-watered.