|
Tue, Dec 24, 13 at 9:38
| I am fixing to start seeds soon, and have a block of Zoo Med Eco Earth. I was considering using it as part of my seed starting mix but I remember something about coconut fiber having salt? What do y'all think? |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| I had problems when I tried growing tomatoes in a container mix that contained coir, and also had problems trying to grow orchids in coconut fiber chips several years ago. The problem seems to have to do partly with the wide variability in quality of different products. Coconut fiber needs to be soaked and drained repeatedly to leach out naturally high sodium content. Some manufacturers do this before putting the product on the market. Others apparently do not. If you google "coir seedling mix problem" you will find many discussions of the problems people have had. I would not use a coir product that wasn't specifically formulated for sprouting seeds without at least trying to leach out any sodium or other contaminants. And I would not use it even that way as more than half of your mix. Milled sphagnum moss (not peat moss) is the old standby for seedling mixes because it contains natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. |
|
| Thanks, I think you are right. I am not going to start that many seeds this year (I keep telling myself despite the catalogues with their beautiful pictures) so I am just going to buy something designated for seeds. I'll look for the spaghnum moss you mentioned, thanks. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Growing Tomatoes Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here
