Coir is a winner from husk to hort!

The horticulture space is forever evolving, including the search for ideal growing mediums to promote plant health, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

PrimeHort has been researching the hype surrounding coir (coco peat) and are excited by the findings. This natural and renewable resource derived from coconut husks is gaining momentum as an excellent addition to traditional peat and bark. Particularly as the horticulture industry strives for more eco-friendly practices and productivity gains.

It is our belief that nurseries can significantly benefit from incorporating coir into their operations. Its outstanding water retention capabilities, aeration properties, and neutral pH make it an ideal substrate for a wide range of plants.

Spearheading the coir sector nationwide for our customers is Andrew Wearmouth. A familiar name to many, Andrew has been involved in the horticulture sector since he left school. Early days saw him growing pumpkins, kumara and melons, and from 1990 to 2011, Andrew was involved in the cut flower sector, exporting Zantedeschia (Callas) & Sandersonia cut flowers and flower bulbs to 18 countries.

During the last 13 years, Andrew worked for Kauri Park (NZ’s most prominent native tree nursery), where he pursued a passion for plant breeding, including developing and managing the Manuka breeding program of high UMF Manuka plant genetics. Beginning in 2014, this valuable program continues to run today.

ONSITE TRIALS

Andrew is currently meeting with existing and new customers to discuss the benefits of coir. For a risk-free investment, growers may wish to run a coir trial in their operation before committing.

By comparing the results of using coir against existing growing mediums and fertilisers, growers can gauge the tangible benefits of making the switch. This trial approach allows customers to see firsthand the positive impact on plant health, growth rates, and overall crop yield.

Andrew can guide you on a suitable coir mix and assist in the set up and coordination of your trial.

Likewise, we are running a series of trials in house to demonstrate the capabilities of coir and look forward to sharing the results in due course.

Our trials will give us an opportunity to embrace sustainable practices but are also a strategic move towards optimising operational costs. It is our hope that because of coir’s longevity and nutrient retention, it will demonstrate less reliance on fertilisers, meaning cost savings for nurseries. We will also automate the handling of coir compressed blocks by using one of our Coco Mill machines (again saving time and money).

WHY COIR?

1. Cost-Effective: Comparable to traditional bark & peat. PrimeHort offer special discounts for volume and finance options to suit.
2. Readily Available: Unlike traditional bark & peat which is under threat and quality is variable, coir is a renewable resource and readily available.
3. Excellent Water Retention & Aeration for healthier plant development. Its unique fibrous structure promotes excellent aeration within the growing medium, preventing compaction and allowing roots to thrive. The optimal water retention of coir ensures consistent moisture levels, reducing the risk of overwatering or underwatering – common pitfalls in traditional growing mediums.
4. Easy Handling: Just add water! 17-18 coir blocks produce 1m³ of hydrated, ready to use product.
5. Trials Available: Discuss running a trial at your operation to compare results.
6. Proven Product: Heavily used in the European horticulture industry.
7. Automation-Friendly: Coir hydrating machines available to save time and money.
8. Sustainable: As a by-product of the coconut industry, coir is readily available and does not contribute to deforestation. The abundance of coir makes it an eco-conscious choice for nurseries looking to reduce their environmental impact. The coconut husk’s natural resilience also means that coir can be reused for multiple growing cycles, further enhancing its eco-friendly profile.
9. pH Neutral makes it suitable & beneficial for most plants.
10. Tailored to Suit: Various grades are available of pith and chip, customised to suit different plants and growing conditions, along with Grow Slabs tailored to grower’s requirements.
11. Product Range: We are stocked and ready with 5kg compressed blocks, and Grow Slabs for strawberries, tomatoes and capsicums, plus Open Top Bags for blueberries.

If you would like to discuss the opportunities of coir in your operation, please contact us, we would be delighted to assist.