New Boxes Just Arrived and Already I Have a Question

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, pendletonjohn. This user is located in Pendleton, NY Zone 6a. This was originally posted on January 14, 2014.

greetings all - i was wondering about just using coir only instead of a potting mix/soil. the eb planting kits include 2 cf of the coir and it looks like that is all you need, outside of the dolomite and the fertilizer. are they expecting that you add your own perlite and peat moss to the coir or is it just used straight up successfully?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, Allan. This user is located in Scranton, PA - Zone 5. This was originally posted on January 14, 2014.

I do believe the coir takes place of the potting media, just wet with warm water and it expands to what is needed.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7, South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on January 14,
 2014.

Many, many problems with using coir straight are documented here. If you must use it, be sure to add LOTS of perlite, or use it as an additive (1:2 ratio) to your regular mix. Do a search on coir to see what I mean.

Also, my own observation is that coir breaks down way sooner than peat mixes. That's not a good thing for wicking, as the already very wet media will become too-wet and bog-like.

I don't know how many boxes you have, but if you can spare one to experiment, do so... but don''t make the mistake of devoting all your boxes to any unknown, unreliable or iffy component or procedure.

Mickie

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, pendletonjohn. This user is located in Pendleton, NY Zone 6a. This was originally posted on January 15, 2014.

took your advice and went by the book with the baccto professional planting mix, whitney farms dolomite lime, and schultz 10-12-12 food. they had the baccto at our local nursery and they advised using that over the miracle gro. looks like I'm all set now. good thing as my plants have sprouted and will be looking for a home soon. thanks all!

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, movrshakr. This user is located in Zone 10a - near Cape Canaveral. This was originally posted on January 15, 2014.

I think that is a very good move to use a good mix over the coir.