Several varieties of growing medium such as coco peat, peat moss, and coco coir are available as alternatives for soil in greenhouses and in-house growing structures.
Why Use Organic Growing Medium is advisable
Greenhouse crops face risks of root and fungal infections because of soil contamination. Most soils are not in the right PH range which favors the production of vegetables and a variety of greenhouse crops.
Application of soil-less growth medium such as coco peat and peat moss offers a suitable PH and environment free from root diseases.
How to Choose the Right-Growing Medium
The choice of a better-growing medium is relative to the factors that normally determine the suitability of Soil in the propagation of certain crops. A growing medium is good if it meets the factors below.
- PH – The PH range of the growing medium whether coco peat or peat moss needs to be within the required range for the specific crop.
- Water Retention – How the growing medium holds water should be studied, to consider whether it can sustain the crop.
- Compactness – The structure of particles in between the growing medium is key to ensure proper and faster root development.
- Nutrient Retention – relates to how the specific medium holds nutrients or organic matter within its structure. For instance, cocopeat has a significant ability to hold nutrients for a long time.
Types of Growing Medium
Coco Peat
Coco Peat is a soil-like dust made from coconut fiber or husks. It is an excellent anti-fungal growing medium for the propagation of seedlings and other greenhouse plants.
Coco peat gardening is also used as a soil amendment, potting mix, and in hydroponic production.
Peat Moss
Peat moss is a dark brown fibrous growing medium that occurs from sphagnum moss and other decayed organic materials.
It is a good alternative to coco peat in seedling propagation due to its sterile nature, excellent texture, and drainage.
It enhances proper germination rates in greenhouse seedlings and crops as it is not subject to leaching.
Compost
A common growing medium that results from rotted leaves, plants, manure, ash and kitchen remains. Compost is prepared by making a heap of waste products and leaving it for about 6-8 weeks.
It contains high organic matter content and fine particles which makes it good in water retention and seedling germination.
What are the Properties of Various Growing Media?
| Property | Coco Peat | Peat Moss | Compost |
| PH | Neutral PH of 6.5 | Low PH | Neutral PH |
| Water Retention | High water retention | Better Water Holding Capacity | Lower Water Retention |
| Weed Growth | No weed growth | Does not Support Weed Growth | Support weed Growth |
| Cost | Less costly | Costly | Cheap |
| Nutrient | Does not nutrients | Does not contain Nutrients | Contains minerals and organic matter |
| Nutrient Holding Capacity | High nutrient-holding capacity | Lower Nutrient Retention | Higher nutrient holding Capacity |
| Usage | Requires washing before use | Can be treated or washed to remove salts | Directly applied on the soil |
What growing Media are good Greenhouse Crop Production?
Coco peat and peat moss are ideal for a better-growing environment with less weed and disease contamination.
Benefits of Organic Growing Substances
- Comfortable seedling and plant growth free from weeds and natural nutrient-competing herbs
- Zero leaching due to use of treated coco peat and peat moss
- It preserves nutrients more compared to soil.
- Better aeration and moisture balance thus zero fungal infections.
- Free from bacteria and pests that damage seedlings
- Sustainable growing environment as it is safe for use.
Coco Peat Blocks available at Aqua Hub Kenya
Aqua Hub Kenya has quality growing medium, coco peat for sale at affordable prices in the market. 5 Kg Blocks at KES 750 each.
Call 0790719020
