Grow in coconut fiber - that's how it works

What is coconut fiber?

One of the first things you associate with farming is soil. But there are actually alternative substrates to grow in that have other properties and advantages. One such is coconut fiber. Coconut fiber is a brown and slightly hairy substrate that is used instead of or as a supplement to the traditional topsoil that is usually used when sowing and planting seeds and seedlings.

The fiber has a number of advantages. Firstly, you buy it dried, which means that it weighs significantly less and is less bulky. This is a clear plus as the vast majority have limited space for large earth bags in their home. In addition, the fiber offers an ideal environment - airy and well-drained - for the sensitive roots, which reduces the risk of the seed becoming too wet and the young plant suffering water damage. The coconut also has a slow breakdown, which means that it is structurally stable and can be reused several times. As the icing on the cake, the coconut fiber is also a sustainable alternative as it is a residual product from the coconut industry that would otherwise go to waste. The fact that it is transported and sold dried and often vacuum packed means that it takes up less cargo space and is easier to transport.

Coconut briquettes are included in our cultivation collections, which you can find here .

Benefits of coconut fiber:

+Takes up little space

+ Ideal environment - airy and well-drained

+ Can be reused

+Environmentally friendly: Residual product and low weight during shipping

What to consider when choosing coconut fiber?

Different types of coconut fiber can differ in terms of the size and structure of the fibers. When propagating seeds and transplanting small plants, you should choose the one with a more finely ground structure. The most important thing, however, is to choose a coconut fiber of really good quality. A high-quality coconut fiber has gone through two processes: first it is washed to get rid of all the salt that is in the fibers and then it is buffered so that the coconut will not steal the nutrition you add.

One thing to keep in mind is that coconut fiber contains no nutrition. When propagating a seed, this is an advantage as fertilizer can damage the tender roots. But as soon as the little plant starts to grow, it needs nutrients for its growth. This can be added either by watering with liquid plant nutrients or by replanting the plant in nutrient-rich planting soil.

Propelling seeds in coconut fiber cultivation briquettes

Seeds want very special conditions to come to life and create a small sprout. It should be sufficiently moist and sufficiently warm. In addition, the environment must be airy. By sowing the seed in a coconut growing briquette, you tick two of these boxes: the right humidity and an airy, well-drained environment. All that remains is to place the seed at the right temperature to kick start the magical germination process. If you want this to go extra quickly, you can advantageously put the seed on a heating floor or a heating mat.

Cultivation briquettes made of coconut allow you to start cultivation in no time. You don't need any pots to place the briquettes in, but these can be placed directly on a plate or in a mini-greenhouse intended for sowing seeds. It doesn't get easier than that to get started with your cultivation! Here's how to do it step by step:

1. Place the number of briquettes you intend to use on a plate, tray or in a mini greenhouse. Carefully open the cover on top of the briquette so that it is "open" upwards. Fill with lukewarm water and let the briquettes swell to their full size. (see video below)
2. Sow one or more seeds in each growing briquette depending on the size of the seed. Look for the planting depth indicated on the seed bag and create a small hole based on that instruction and then cover the seed with the coconut.
3. Cover the seed with transparent cover to create an optimally moist environment.
4. Place the seed on a heating floor or heating mat to speed up the germination process.
5. Keep an eye on humidity – when the briquettes start to turn light brown, it's time to water the seeds.
6. When the seed has germinated and you see a green sprout looking up, place the seed in a bright window or under a grow light.
7. When the plant has about 4 leaves, it is time for replanting. If you have sown several seeds in the same briquette, you can gently divide it so that the plants have more room for growth. Plant each part in a larger pot measuring approx. 7x7-10x10 cm, which is filled with nutritious planting soil. Plant at the same depth as the plant previously stood unless otherwise specified. Water with lukewarm water. Here, the plants are then allowed to grow before it is time for transplanting. If the plant's growth has stopped, replanting can already be done when it has 2 leaves.