Home Garden Frequently Asked Questions

• How often do I water my coir-potted plants and will it save on water?
  
• Are all coir-growing products the same?
  
• How can I tell a good coir mix from a poor coir mix?
  
• Does coir have high levels of sea salt?
  
• How often should I feed my plants?
  
• Will coir work as a hydroponic growing media?
  
• 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 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?

Q1. How often do I water my coir-potted plants and will it save on water?

Classic answer: 5 minutes before it wilts.

Practical answer: Check moisture levels 1-2 inches from the surface, if dry, water thoroughly. This will suffice for approximately one week for indoor/outdoor coir potting mix with the exception of hot dry summer days where this may be required twice a week.

Yes, your coir potting mix will use up to 50% less water than more traditional potting mixes.

Q2. Are all coir-growing products the same?

A2. No. Not all coir-growing products are the same. Your Choice and CaseTech Australia products have been specially developed by us and are guaranteed to grow your plants.

Q3. How can I tell a good coir mix from a poor coir mix?

A3. The simplest way to get an understanding of what you may have is to examine the structure. If you have the major percentage of your coir mix under 3mm particle size you will have trouble with controlling moisture levels and root diseases, especially in the cooler months. Older coir is difficult to manage and will not last as long as newer coir.

Q4. Does coir have high levels of sea salt?

A4. Not all coir has this problem. Coir collected by CaseTech Australia is collected away from the coast in an area called the coconut triangle in Sri Lanka. This product is low in sea salt.

Q5. How often should I feed my plants?

A5. Because coir-potting mix does not have a nitrogen draw down caused by decomposing barks it will retain higher levels of nitrogen for longer periods. It is already naturally high in potassium and therefore will assist your plant in flowering or setting fruit.

If you are feeding with control release follow directions on the package. If you are feeding with liquid feed follow directions but feed once a fortnight for pot plants and once a week for fruit such as tomato and berries.
*Remember to thoroughly flush your pot plants once every month.

Q6. Will coir work as a hydroponic growing media?

A6. Yes. Coir is an excellent hydroponic growing media provided you purchase a product from a supplier that has a good history in coir and meets coir best practice specifications.

Q7. When is the best time to pot or re-pot my plants?

A7. In the springtime before summer growth has begun.

Q8. I have had a bad outbreak of black spot this year. Can I do more to stem this problem?

A8. 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.

Q9. 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?

A9. 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.