Substrates are available in many types. Some popular substrates among gardeners are palm peat and coco coir. They are the by-products of coconut harvest yet different in characters. Before you purchase one of them, you had better learn the palm peat vs coco coir differences.
Coco coir and palm peat, or coco peat, are excellent substrates or growing mediums. You can use them in different ways when gardening. However, you must make sure that you apply them properly so that they do not ruin your plants.
Palm Peat vs Coco Coir Differences
Beginner gardeners may think that palm peat and coco coir are similar since they are the by-products of coconut harvest. However, both substrates are different in certain aspects. So, what is the difference between coco coir and coco peat? Check this out.
1. Raw Materials
The material used in manufacturing palm peat is coconut husk. Palm peat manufacturers ground the husk into smaller and finer particles before selling them as palm peat.
Meanwhile, the material used in manufacturing coco coir is coconut fiber. Coconut fiber is fibrous material extracted from the outer part of the coconut husk.
2. Texture and Color
You can find the difference between palm peat vs coco coir from their texture. The texture of palm peat is fluffy and light. In addition, its color is generally light-brown or brown. You can buy it in the form of coco peat cubes or powder.
On the other hand, coco coir’s texture is fibrous and coarse. Moreover, the color of the coco coir is light-brown to reddish brown.
3. Aeration and Drainage
Coco coir has excellent aeration and drainage properties. However, palm peat is more water-absorbent than coco coir. It also has a better ability to retain water. Therefore, it is better for plants that require more moisture.
4. pH Level
The pH level of palm peat is neutral. However, the coco coir’s pH level tends to be slightly acidic.
How to Use Palm Peat and Coco Coir in Gardening
Properly applying palm peat and coco coir in gardening can work wonders for your plants. Below are several ways you can do in applying coco peat and coco coir.
- Coco peat cubes for hydroponic growing medium: Palm peat cubes have can absorb and retain water well. Therefore, it is an ideal hydroponic growing medium.
- Coco coir for mulch: coco coir is an excellent mulch. You can even buy coco coir mulch sheets in various sizes and shapes. Therefore, you can get perfect mulch sheets for your planting pots.
- Coco coir for hanging planter basket’s lining: lining the hanging planter baskets with coco coir can help your plants thrive in these baskets. The coco coir also makes the hanging planter baskets look more attractive.
- Palm peat and coco coir for soil amendment: Coco coir and coco peat will improve the soil structure if you mix soil with one of them. For this purpose, you can mix soil with 40% of palm peat or coco coir.
From the comparison of palm peat vs coco coir above, we know that both substrates are excellent. However, you must pay attention to their pH level, aeration, and drainage before using them in gardening.
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