There is a new product available for gardeners.  It is called Coco Coir.  It’s a growing medium and premium starting mix.  You can use Coco Coir with flowers, shrubs, trees, berries, fruit, vegetables, root crops and hydropoics.

The benefits include a slow breakdown with excellent nutrient and water holding capacity.  It produces stronger plants with a vigorous root system.  Coco Coir is easy to wet without dry spots and provides excellent structure and aeration in root zone.  It has a high water holding capacity with a neutral PH for optimal plant growth.  

Coco Coir is weed free and attracts earth worms, also promotes rapid dense root growth with yielding gardens.  Coco Coir can be re-used after to improve soil structure.

To use, lay block down flat somewhere with good drainage.  Slowly pour warm water over block allowing water to absorb without runoff.  Break apart with hands until light and spongy.  The warmer the water, the faster and easier the expansion is.  

Coco Coir looks to be a good product.  I’m certainly going to try it.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)