Coconut and peat tablets replace the soil for seedlings. Coconut substrate: how to use briquettes, tablets, chips and fiber

The summer season for many summer residents who grow seedlings with their own hands begins in winter. Not only do you need to accurately calculate the time of planting, you also need to thoroughly approach where the seedlings will grow. After all, it can vary significantly.

Where can you plant seedlings of vegetables and flowers.

For the convenience of gardeners, a wide variety of pots and balcony boxes have been invented, which are produced specifically for seedlings. Moreover, every year manufacturers surprise us with their inventions, which at first glance it is not clear how to use. So website gives instructions on how to use peat and coconut seedling tablets.

• The first of these can be mentioned peat tablets for seedlings. They are convenient to use for plants that do not tolerate picking. With their help, each plant initially grows in its individual capacity.

• Similarly, there are also coconut seedling tablets. They are similar to the first. The main difference lies in the filling of the seedling tablet. From the name it is clear that coconut flakes will be present in it.
• For the same purpose (growing without picking), seedling cassettes were designed. They look like boxes with many cells. Cucumbers, tomatoes and eggplants are grown in them so as not to harm the root system when picking.

Peat tablets for seedlings how to use

Let's start with them appearance. From the name it is clear that their shape is a small cylinder. Moreover, it significantly increases in height due to the absorption of moisture. And this must be done just before use. Growing seedlings in peat tablets simplifies its care, since microelements and growth stimulants are added to its composition.

The entire peat tablet is covered with a strong mesh. It does not allow the container to fall apart, even after soaking. However, it completely dissolves when buried in the ground in a permanent place.

On the market various firms offer jiffy peat tablets. However, there are also domestic counterparts. They are no worse than imported ones and are much cheaper, which is always nice. All of them are equally convenient to use. Because peat tablets (Jiffy, for example) of the upper part have a hole thought out by technologists. It is in it that the seed must be immersed.

If you still have questions about how to use peat tablets, then the following sequence of actions will help:

• place them in rows in a container, the height of which will overlap the size of the swollen ones;
• pour warm water;
• leave to swell for the time specified in the instructions;
• drain excess water;
• put 1-2 seeds in each tablet;
• slightly deepen them;
• cover the container with glass or film;
• do regular ventilation;
• You can remove the film after the appearance of the first shoots.

If we turn to the impressions of gardeners, then the reviews of peat tablets for seedlings are positive if purchased from a trusted seller. The following are the pluses:

• less debris and dirt;
• no need to dive seedlings;
• there is no need to buy a separate primer.

No one sees any shortcomings. Unless you take the size of the hole for it. It is difficult to deepen the seeds into it for people with thick fingers. But summer residents have found a way out and use toothpicks.

You can grow any seedlings in peat tablets: tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, flowers (petunia is especially good).

How to usecoconut seedling tablets

Them fundamental difference from peat in the composition. They are 70 percent coco peat (fermented for several months) and the same shavings. The tablets are impregnated with a complex of minerals and trace elements.

Coconut seedling tablets should be used in the same way as peat tablets. In addition, they have a lot of positive qualities:

• antibacterial impregnation protects seedlings from infections;
• they freely pass air;
• retain moisture well;
• maintain a constant temperature.

Growing seedlings in cassettes

They stand between peat or coconut tablets and the same pots. The latter are inconvenient to transport. While the cassettes are very mobile, they can easily be moved or moved from place to place.

Peat tablets require a special container. Here you do not need to search and select it.

In addition, cassettes can be different size. Therefore, for different plants you can choose the most suitable. To cassettes with the same cell size can be grown different seedlings. It all depends on what size it should be when transplanting.

Coconut tablets are called small bars of pressed substrate. cylindrical shape placed in a fine mesh. Consist of coconut humus, fibers and shavings. For best effect Nutrients and trace elements are added to the tablets.

Article outline

What are coconut tablets used for?

Coconut humus is made from crushed shells that have been fermented for a year. Due to the nature of growth, coconuts are not susceptible to diseases characteristic of plants whose fruits grow closer to the ground. Therefore, the substrate is free from many bacteria and fungi that are dangerous for seedlings.

Coconut fibers have little nutritional value. The main benefit of their application is a significant improvement in soil structure. The fibers make the soil lighter, it facilitates the supply of oxygen to the roots, and improves plant nutrition.

Coconut flakes contain magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and other trace elements that are in a form that is easy for plants to assimilate.

The main use of coconut tablets is the use for growing seedlings. Also, the properties of this substrate allow it to be used for rooting cuttings.

Benefits of Coconut Pills

Compared to other substrates, coconut has several important advantages:

1. Tablets conduct air and heat well;
2. Able to retain moisture, gradually giving it to plants;
3. Have optimal level acidity;
4. Does not contain weed seeds;
5. Tablets do not lose their shape after soaking;
6. When dry, they take up little space;
7. After drying, they do not form a crust.

The ability of the soil to conduct oxygen well is very important for plants. In too dense soil or when excessive watering plant roots experience oxygen, this causes a metabolic disorder, respectively, the ability to absorb nutrients decreases.

Plant growth slows down, if the situation is not corrected, its death is possible. Also, the crust that appears on the surface of the soil when it dries can prevent the supply of oxygen. Coconut substrate is devoid of this drawback.

coconut tablets able to retain moisture well, vital for seedlings. At the same time, it is impossible to overmoisten them; coconut will absorb only a certain amount of water, which will gradually be given to the roots of seedlings.

The acidity of coconut soil is at a level that is optimal for the germination of seeds of most cultivated plants. The substrate is additionally enriched with a complex of trace elements useful for plant growth. quantities nutrients enough for plant growth for 4 to 6 weeks.

Feedback on the use of coconut tablets

How to use coconut tablets

Before using coconut tablets for growing seedlings, it is necessary to wash them from sea salt, which is used in the production of tablets. To do this, the tablets are briefly placed under running warm water. 1-2 minutes is enough for cleaning.

The tablets are placed in cassettes or other containers for growing seedlings. It must be borne in mind that the container should be much larger than the tablet, because after moistening it increases significantly in size.

Briquettes filled with water room temperature for a few minutes until completely absorbed. After that, the remaining water is drained.

In a small hole made on top of the briquette, seeds are placed, usually one or two. For expensive or rare seeds, it is advisable to plant one seed per briquette. After that, the briquette is covered with a film to avoid drying out. If the seeds have low germination, which is typical for planting material, which has been stored for a long time, several seeds must be placed for germination. After germination, one of the strongest plants is left, the rest are removed.

The substrate contains all the microelements necessary for the development of seedlings, therefore, plants are not additionally fed before planting on permanent place to avoid fertilizer overdose.

The grown plants are transplanted without removing the mesh; it does not interfere with the growth of the root system. Usually it consists of a special material that quickly dissolves in the ground.

Application for garden plants

The big advantage of coconut tablets is the ability to plant seedlings in a permanent place along with the soil in which they developed. At the same time, the root system is not disturbed, so the plants do not experience stress and do not require time to recover. Accordingly, fruiting occurs 1 to 2 weeks earlier. The soil provides for seedlings extra food, also coconut improves soil structure.

Tomatoes

While tomatoes are easy to transplant, coconut briquettes have another important benefit for tomato germination. The tablets do not contain pathogenic microorganisms, therefore, they prevent infection with diseases that are detrimental to seedlings, such as black leg.

Cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin

Cucumbers are hard to transplant if the root system is injured. Therefore, they must be transplanted along with earthy clod. When transplanting cucumbers grown in tablets, there is no need to get them out of the cup, risking damage to the roots. The seedlings are simply moved to the prepared hole and sprinkled with earth.

Seeds of cucumbers and zucchini require stable humidity during germination. If watering is insufficient, the seeds stop developing and may dry out. With excessive moisture, the roots of plants receive insufficient oxygen, this can destroy the plant.

Pepper

Pepper seedlings respond very poorly to transplantation. If damaged root system, the plant will recover for a long time, wasting time. When transplanting peppers grown in a coconut tablet, the mesh protects the roots from damage.

The use of bars for growing pepper avoids infection with fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and black leg.

watermelons

Growing watermelons using seedlings allows you to get ripe fruits 3 to 4 weeks earlier than those sown in open ground. Coconut substrate contains all the substances that are needed for development healthy plant. It will also help to avoid overflow and hypothermia of the root system.

Use for flowers

In order to make the most fruitful use of a substrate such as coconut tablets for growing seedlings, it is necessary to take into account the size of the root system of the plants grown. For example, petunias grow roots and leaves for a very long time, a small volume is enough for them. nutrient soil During a long time. Seedlings of plants with large seeds, such as castor beans, require planting immediately in the largest possible volume.

Petunias

Seedling of petunias small size, requires picking at the stage of the fourth true leaf. This procedure requires jewelry precision from the grower. When germinating petunias in a tablet, there is no need for picking. Small seedlings are simply rearranged into a larger briquette. The substrate contains all the components necessary for the development of seedlings.

How to plant seedlings of Petunias in coconut tablets

Lilies, tulips, dahlias

As a rule, tablets are not used for sprouting bulbs and tubers, however, many growers use tablets for storage. The container in which the bulbs are stored or transported is densely shifted with coconut briquettes. Coconut absorbs the resulting condensate, this prevents the development of mold, rot, and fungal diseases.

cuttings

It is very convenient to use coconut tablets for cuttings. various kinds plants, especially for hard-to-root plants such as roses and lilacs. Flower growers in the reviews claim that the use of coconut tablets for growing petunia seedlings using cuttings increases the number of rooted plants by 10%.

A fresh cut cutting is placed in a moistened substrate, sprinkled if necessary. From above it is necessary to cover it with a transparent container to reduce the evaporation of moisture.

use for indoor plants

Coconut tablets are a natural organic substrate and are safe to use at home.

Most often used for cuttings indoor plants such as violets, small-leaved ficuses.

Tablets are also used as drainage, coconut perfectly absorbs moisture and protects the roots from overflow.

How to make seedling pills

A coconut briquette is a substrate tightly pressed under strong pressure, which is a finely chopped peel fiber coconut. This is a completely natural nutrient material that is used for growing different cultures, seedlings and indoor flowers, other garden plantings. One of modern species safe substrates sold at any gardening store.

The coke substrate is produced in various forms- bags, mats, briquettes of various sizes. Simply put, a coconut briquette is the most compact and very hard package of the same coconut fiber.

Coconut substrate is shredded and pressed coconut fiber

On a note! Coke substrate (or the so-called coco-soil) can also be used as a mulching material.

Compound

The coke briquette consists entirely of environmentally friendly natural material. This is a crushed coconut peel and villi that cover it. Raw materials undergo a fermentation process for 14-18 months, and then they are thoroughly dried and pressed under high pressure.

On a note! There are also coconut tablets, they contain not only coconut fibers and shavings, but also coconut peat. This is small sizes containers in the form of a cylinder.

Properties and advantages

The substrate of coconut fiber has a lot of unique physiological properties, which even after the expiration of the time of use, it is practically not lost.

1. The composition of the substrate is completely natural - it is organic in its pure form without the admixture of chemically active artificial substances.

   

2. The coke substrate perfectly absorbs large volumes of water and is able to retain it for a long time. Due to this, the frequency of watering can be reduced. The volume of the absorbed liquid exceeds the volume of the soil itself by 8-10 times. When the coco substrate is well hydrated, it changes color to dark brown. When dry, the fiber has a light hazel color.

   

   

   

Thanks to the use of coconut substrate for growing seedlings, due to its unique properties, it is possible to minimize the risks for future crops. Also, this material can be mixed with other types of soil, thereby improving their structure, increasing their fertility and turning even loam into a nutritious soil mixture. The efficiency of planting seeds and growing seedlings increases significantly.

Application

Coco coir can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on what you want to achieve. This soil is great for any plants, including ornamental ones. This is confirmed by numerous positive feedback experienced and beginner gardeners.

Table. Ways to use coconut briquette.

On a note! Interestingly, coconut fiber can even be used as bedding for pets in terrariums, cages, and aviaries. This material is hygienic and practical, it is also easy to use.

Step by step instructions for use

You can buy coconut briquettes for growing seedlings at any gardening store. At the same time, they are different production and quality. The main thing is to choose the right one for you. How to use this unusual briquette, which can easily turn into a substrate?

Step 1. Calculate your needs. Remember that when a 1 kg briquette swells, a lot of substrate is obtained - about 7-8 liters. Think about how much coco soil you need right now. Let's say you need all these 7-8 liters, then prepare a container of about 10 liters for soaking the briquette.

Step 2 Unpack the briquette and place it in a container, fill it with a small amount of warm water. After a while, if necessary, it can be divided into several pieces and placed in different containers.

Step 3 Fill the container with pieces of briquettes with water completely. If you do not need to divide it, you can immediately pour a full 10-liter container of water. The “brick” will soften completely in 15-30 minutes.

On a note! Rinse coke primer thoroughly with water before use. The fact is that it may contain an excess of sea salt (it is used in technological process during production), which will adversely affect the condition of plants. But these salts are easily washed out with water. To do this, the swollen substrate can be placed in a colander and rinsed.

Step 4 After washing the soil, put it to dry. This process takes approximately 2-3 weeks. During drying, periodically loosen the substrate. However, even at the end of the drying procedure, the soil will be slightly wet - this is normal and is due to its moisture capacity.

The result is a pleasant loose air structure, reminiscent of the color of high-moor peat. And it can already be used in accordance with your needs and wishes. Remember that seedlings can be planted both in a clean substrate, and in its mixture with garden or purchased land.

After the seedlings have been grown and planted in the ground, your coco substrate may be free, but do not rush to throw it away, because it can be reused. To do this, first place it in a container and fill it with an aqueous solution of an EM preparation that prevents the development of various harmful fungi (they could get into the substrate during use). Periodically moisturizing, let the substrate brew for about a month, after this disinfecting procedure, you can again use the coconut fiber obtained from the briquette.

It is also believed that on the basis of the substrate obtained from coconut briquettes, excellent soil can be prepared. To get 100 liters of soil mixture, you need a briquette of coconut fiber weighing 5 kg, 1 liter of liquid vermicompost and 25 liters of dry biohumus, as well as 23 liters of ordinary water. Liquid biohumus is mixed into clean water, then a coconut briquette is laid there, which it is desirable to press down with something to the bottom. The swelling soil is transferred to a clean container and then mixed with dry biohumus.

The resulting soil mixture can be used for seedlings or any horticultural needs associated with growing, transplanting plants. It will be very crumbly and airy, as well as enriched with nutrients and substances, the supply of which will last for several years in a row (about 5-6). If the excess soil is packed in bags and compressed, then it can be stored for a very long time.

How to choose a coco substrate?

The coke substrate can be sold both in briquettes and seedling cubes, mats, bags. When choosing the one that is right for you, focus on the purpose of the acquisition, brand awareness, the final amount of substrate, and other parameters.

For example, there are not only briquettes, which, when swollen, will give a large number of substrate, but also small briquettes, packed and acting like. They are plates or cubes that, when moisture is added, swell and fill the mesh bag in which they are located. At the same time, they do not crumble, and seedlings and plants can be planted directly in them in special holes in the package.

Seedlings in coconut tablets

When growing seedlings, summer residents use peat pots. But, recently, tablets made from pressed peat and coconut fiber have appeared on sale. Some believe that they are much more effective, healthier and more durable than pots. What pills - coconut or peat better for seedlings? We suggest you find out the answer to this question from the article.

Coconut and peat seedling tablets

The difference between coconut and peat tablets

Peat tablets are a small container in the form of a cylinder without a bottom, which is made of high quality peat. Outside, to maintain its shape, it is covered with a special mesh material. Usually tablets are made from a substrate having different acidity(acidic, neutral) so that they can be used for growing seedlings of various crops. In their composition, such tablets have micronutrients that create good nutrition for seedlings when they begin to grow. The shell is treated with a fungicide, which has a positive effect on the development of seedlings. Due to their structure, the tablets do not interfere with the penetration of the roots and are easily decomposed during transplantation. They are produced different diameter from 27 to 70 millimeters.

Coconut tablets are made from peat and coconut fiber. They have good breathability and, accordingly, are able to provide an ideal ratio of water and air. The principle of using coconut and peat tablets is the same and consists of several stages.

• Tablet preparation. Before use, they must be installed in a pan, deepening upwards and poured with warm water. After about 10-15 minutes, the tablets will swell and absorb moisture. Excess fluid from the pan must be drained.
• One grain of the cultivated culture is placed in tablets and covered with a small amount of humus. To ensure the greenhouse effect, the pallet is covered with glass or film.
• During the period of seedling growth, planting must be periodically ventilated. Before germination, tablets are moistened from a sprayer.

IMPORTANT! During the period of seedling germination, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the tablets. They should not be too wet or dry. Seedlings are transplanted into open ground along with tablets without removing the shell. Gradually it will dissolve into the ground. Some summer residents, when sowing, lay 2-3 seeds in one tablet. Then, after germination, one of the most healthy and strong sprouts is left.

When choosing tablets, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Structure. It should not be rough, since such tablets will have a weak air intake, which will not in the best way affect the development of the root system.
• Acidity. For each culture, the acidity suitable for it is selected. When sowing in tablets of the wrong acidity, the death of seedlings can be caused.
• The size. Right choice tablet diameter. For smallish seedlings - small tablets, for rather big specimens - larger ones.
• Appearance. You should not buy tablets that do not have a shell. After the substrate swells, a shapeless pile of peat will remain from them.

Some note that the use of peat tablets is somewhat worse than coconut ones. The seeds in them germinate more slowly and the tablets may become covered with a layer of mold. Someone, on the contrary, denies coconut tablets, since they disintegrate when wet. Coconut tablets absorb moisture faster than peat tablets, and a crust does not form on the surface. In order not to be disappointed in the use of either one or the other pills, it is necessary to follow the rules for their use and when buying, give preference to a trusted manufacturer.

So, now you know which pills are coconut or peat. better for seedlings. We hope that you will be able to grow a healthy, strong seedlings, and subsequently get a good harvest.

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