Should i grow in coco this time? anyone have much experience with this?

[noobgrower02]

Hey guys, i am looking to change to coco coir this go around. I have read as much as i can find on it and surprisingly there isnt much info out there, or as much as i would think. I ran across this post the other day https://primalgrowgear.com/2021/08/the-benefits-of-growing-in-coco-vs-other-grow-mediums/ and it makes sense to me most of it. is it the same as growing in dirt? or i guess on the side of actually growing in it i dont really know what to expect. I seen that pic of coco loco and i think i will get a bag to try this next round. I have been looking for nutrients and i emailed AN about thier coco line that they have here: https://www.advancednutrients.com/products/coco-base-nutrients/ I really like the sound of not having to babysit ph levels anymore. If you anyone has any experience with growing in coco and has some insight on what to expect it would be much appreciated. my main concern is how often to feed and im not sure how coco will work as far as holding on to nutrients and causing my plants to get burned up from nutrients. Also am i going to have any pest issues with it? i have never had pest issues before using normal dirt before and i read you can get those gnats really bad from using coco which has me pretty concerned. ill be growing indoors in a tent and dont need pest issues. Any feedback would be great. thanks in advance guys.

 

[tobedetermined]

The number one thing you have to understand about coco is that it is not soil. It is hydro. Coco does not have or retain nutrients, so you have to add it all. The plants are totally dependent on you to give them food daily – manually or with a res and an automatic feed system. Expect runoff, so plan your system accordingly. While some growers use pure coco, most of us use a coco/perlite mix of 75/25 (approx) to improve drainage and help aerate. You will not have to babysit pH. I have never checked my coco runoff. Just make sure that your nute solution is within range when you feed.

And that’s the basics from my vantage point but I am sure others will have their own ideas and styles.

 

[Dropped Cat]

Everything tobedeternined wrote is true.

Coco is hydro, little in common with soil. You can expect decent yields in smaller pots in coco versus soil.

If your coco dries too much, salts will accumulate and various issues will be chased.

A low EC flush can help that, avoid a water only flush.

Nute drench drain to waste every day, or at least every other day.

Make sure you budget for a decent supply of nutes, don't run out.

The roots don't mind being wet all the time, think deep water culture, another hydro method.

As far as pest control, I boil my coco for twenty minutes before use, rinse and charge to 0.8 EC.

There is always a chance for gnats, so have sticky tape on hand to deploy if fliers show up.

An EC probe is useful to regulate feed rate, but once nutes are dialed in, a periodic check is good.

And for maximum nute uptake in coco, one should maintain EC rate and vary pH accordingly.

Yes, pH monitoring is a thing, your water will vary, so pH strips or meter is a thing.

Magnesium supplement is also needed, your plants will likely want it, no matter which nute program you use.

Epsom salts is good for that, and there are several commercial options.


In the end, coco requires a grower to be aware of the potential issues, but rewards a dedicated grower.

 

[Creeperpark]

Using peat mixes is much more forgiving and easier for the person just starting out than coco coir. Either way, if you are going to grow you need to have a pH and an EC meter and learn how to use them. It makes gardening so much easier when you know how to monitor your growing conditions. .

 

[Switcher56]

^^My sentiments exactly^^.

I was fortunate to have a hydro shop tell me exactly that! Unless you have someone to hold your hand for the 1st couple runs. I grow in HP Promix, and even that was a struggle in the beginning (because there is more going on than simply the growing medium). But, after a couple runs I worked out the kinks. From what I have read, it is not as simple with coco, unless you have a mentor

PS: Although I don't have any experience with coco, I would never recommend it to a neophyte, unless a prevalence of the aforementioned.

 

[tobedetermined]

You guys make it sound difficult. It isn’t. I switched to coco mid-grow, when my udwc failed. Ever since, I have patted myself on the back for the wisdom of my choice because it is so damn easy to run coco. I feed them once daily and that only takes me 10 minutes. Like any grow media, you just have to remember to go slow and easy with any changes to reduce plant shock.

 

[f-e]

There are 3 main constituents in a bag of coco. The ratio of each effects the air and water holding capacity. You need to see what grade you are getting before thinking about perlite or vermiculite.
Coco provides quite a bit of K, especially in it's peat state. Also sodium. So some run-to-waste is highly advised. It also has a fairly high cation holding capacity. These are matters a coco feed should account for, but many branded feeds are a waste of good salt. Think about Canna as a supplier of both coco and feed. They actually do research. IIRC they brought the stuff to market.

You can choose to run a clean system, using h202. Or you can run with beni(ficial)s as you would find in soil. You don't necessarily need either, but they offer gains and insurance.

I like that you can reuse it. If you don't intend to, then I suggest staying in compost/soil/peat... They are easier.

 

[noobgrower02]

Thanks for the great responses guys, they have been helpful. I will be giving it a go my next run and ill keep you all updated.

Cheers

 

[Cuddles]

I tried coco for the first time last year and it was a MEGA bust for me.
I did read up about it before hand of course but I found it much more difficult than I had expected. All my seedlings dies on me and that has never happened before.
I really don´t recommend it unless you want to water, feed etc ALL of the time.
I find soil too be much more fun unless of course you have the time required for coco enjoy all nitty gritty stuff