Mulching is a process where you add an extra layer to the soil. This process can be done with a variety of materials like leaves, barking chips, shredded newspaper or cardboard, twigs, or any crop residue. Mulching is an important process as it has numerous benefits. Firstly, you can choose for an aesthetic appeal, and it also has the ability to suppress weed. When you mulch around the plants, it protects the roots from frosting or overheating when there is a high summer season. If you use an organic mulch, it will help in adding nutrients as it breaks down the soil and structure.  Today we will be discussing how you can use coco peat for mulching.

Coco peat extracted from the husk of a coconut is a by-product from the coconut growing industry which is gaining popularity. To this day. Coco peat itself is earning its place among users and has become a trusted choice for many gardeners. Due to its wide range of benefits and use it has become a preferred choice. As coco peat is versatile in can also be used as a coconut mulch in your garden. Other uses include basket, growing medium, and soil amendment.

Why you should use Coconut Coir mulch?

Coconut coir diversity makes it usable for many gardening needs. Coir is being popular using mulch among gardeners. Coir’s ability to retain moisture naturally and easily makes it ideal for a mulch. As it is also from a natural source, it is also eco-friendly. Coco coir mulch absorbs the water from the ground and releases it slowly into your plants, keeping them hydrated. Further, it takes a long to break down, adding its own nutrients to the soil.

The thickness of the coconut coir mulch ranges from 5-7.5 cm and can be adjusted. Coir mulch is light in weight, easy to use, and clean to the touch with a longevity life of 5 years.

Guides and tips to use Coconut Coir Mulch

Soil Preparation:

Soil preparation is one of the initial and most important processes in gardening. Before applying the coir mulch, it is important to make sure that the soil is free from any weeds and is moist.For Coir mulch to make the most benefit of its water retention capability, watering the soil before the mulch is an important step.

Applying the coco peat mulch:

While spreading the coco mulch on the soil make sure to evenly spread it with a depth ranging from 2-3 inches. Mixing the coir mulch with potting soil also improves moisture and drainage.

Tips:

• To avoid peptides is not over-apply the coir mulch and let it touch the plant’s stem.
• Rinsing thoroughly helps remove the excess salts and other impurities if any.
• In case of weed difficulty, a sold layer of coco peat mulch can be used along with a weed block underneath to avoid them from growing.

Maintaining the mulch:

After completing the whole process, you should ensure that the mulch is not drying out or compacted. If the desired mulch is not achieved you can maintain the by adding more.

Below are some answers to commonly asked questions that will make your decision-making process easier.

• As compared to other mulch alternates, coco peat mulch is the best choice. It can retain moisture, having a neutral pH value so it won’t acidify the soil. Whereas other mulches like sawdust and pine bark are acidic.
• Generally, coco peat mulch does not attract pesticides or bugs if it is kept and stored properly
• Coco peat mulch can be used for as long as three to five years as it is long-lasting and breaks slowly.
• Coco chips are one of the best alternatives for hydroponic gardening.
• Coco peat mulch is not too expensive and is priced reasonably as compared to other organic mulches available in the market.
• Coco peat mulch can be easily found at retailers and nurseries as it is commonly used.

As no growing medium is perfect, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks, it’s the same with coco peat mulch. Depending on the retailer or brand you choose, you may find it treated by chemical agents to treat pesticides. Be sure to check the retailer’s packing before choosing one. As the coco peat manufacturing process contains salt, it sometimes can contribute to high salt content.