Cocopeat is a smart growing medium, which is popular for greenhouse farming and seedling propagation in Kenya. Its growing capabilities not only make it a better alternative to traditional substrates offering highly effective crop production. If you are growing in a greenhouse you should propagate with cocopeat to enhance sustainable plant growth.
Cocopeat for Greenhouse Farming
Cocopeat is a fibrous material extracted from the husk of coconuts, a natural and renewable substance. Coconut husks are processed to make coarse fibers or ropes, fine material (cocopeat) and other products.
Cocopeat for Sale in Kenya
Aqua Hub LTD supplies cocopeat for greenhouse farming in Kenya, seedling propagation and general gardening.
Call 0790719020
How Cocopeat is manufactured
Cocopeat is extracted by first crushing coconut husks into smooth dust. Afterwards washing, treatment to remove salt and draining done to get rid of excess water.
This process transforms cocopeat husks to horticultural substrate, to enhance proper root growth and disease-free propagation.
Why Cocopeat is Essential for Greenhouse Farming
Superior Water Retention: Cocopeat has high water holding capacity because of their less compact particles. It releases water slowly and lowers irrigation frequency and rate thus enhancing proper management.
Excellent Aeration: the less compactness allows for excellent aeration ensuring that roots have constant access to vital oxygen. Cocopeat aeration promotes vigorous root growth, which in turn leads to healthier, more productive plants
Neutral PH: the PH of cocopeat is between 5.5 to 6.5 which is near neutral and suitable for wide range of crops. It can also be adjusted to suit the PH requirements of your plants.
Sterile Nature: treated cocopeat is sterile and free from bacteria, fungal and soil-borne infections that can affect seedlings and crops.
Renewable and sustainable: cocopeat is generally from coconut husks which are renewable in nature, constantly available. The product is sustainable and cannot run out.
Environmentally Safe: Cocopeat is an organic substance and does not harm the environment. It has zero carbon emissions.
Uses of Cocopeat for Greenhouse Farming in Kenya
Pots and Containers: Its excellent drainage and water retention make it ideal for containerized plants, from seedlings to mature fruiting crops.
Grow Bags: Pre-filled cocopeat grow bags are incredibly popular for crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, offering convenience, uniformity, and easy management.
Hydroponic Systems: While not a pure hydroponic solution, cocopeat can be used as an inert substrate in drip irrigation or ebb and flow systems, providing support for roots while nutrients are delivered through the water.
Seed Starting: Its fine texture and sterile nature make it an excellent medium for germinating seeds, promoting strong, healthy seedlings.
Considerations when Using Cocopeat for Greenhouse Farming
Treated or Untreated: raw cocopeat can contain high salt levels which can be risky for plant survival. Always buy treated cocopeat from reputable suppliers.
Nutrient Management: Cocopeat is largely inert, meaning it doesn’t contain a significant amount of nutrients. This is an advantage, as it gives growers complete control over nutrient levels. You’ll need to implement a comprehensive nutrient feeding program tailored to the specific needs of your crops. This often involves liquid fertilizers delivered through irrigation.
Quality: Source your cocopeat from reputable suppliers who provide consistent quality, proper processing, and detailed specifications. Look for information on EC (electrical conductivity), pH, and buffering treatment.
Reusability: Cocopeat can be reused for multiple growth cycles, but it’s crucial to assess its structural integrity and potential for pathogen buildup. Sterilization or composting might be necessary depending on the previous crop and any disease issues encountered.
Properties of cocopeat for Greenhouse Farming
Cocopeat has excellent characteristics that make it superior to traditional soil in many applications. Firstly, its exceptional water retention capacity is a standout feature. Cocopeat can hold up to 8-10 times its weight in water, ensuring consistent moisture availability for plants and significantly reducing watering frequency, a crucial advantage in water-scarce regions.
Secondly, its excellent aeration and porosity are vital for healthy root development. Unlike compacted soil, cocopeat provides ample air pockets, allowing roots to breathe and preventing waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Thirdly, cocopeat is naturally pH neutral to slightly acidic (5.8 to 6.8), making it suitable for a wide range of plants and simplifying nutrient management.
Furthermore, cocopeat exhibits natural antifungal properties, which helps in reducing the risk of soil-borne diseases, a common challenge in traditional farming. It’s also 100% organic, biodegradable, and sustainable, as it repurposes a waste product from the coconut industry, contributing to environmental conservation. Its lightweight nature also makes it easy to handle and transport.
Cost of Cocopeat in Kenya
Cocopeat goes for KES 750 to KES 800 for 5kg treated cocopeat blocks.
Cocopeat for Greenhouse Farming : Crops or Seedlings Suitable
Vegetables and Herbs: Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, kale, and herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, and thyme thrive in cocopeat due to its consistent moisture and aeration. Tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting vegetables also show excellent growth.
Fruit-Bearing Plants: Small fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and even dwarf citrus trees benefit from cocopeat’s ability to maintain optimal moisture levels for healthy fruit production.
Flowering and Ornamental Plants: Daisies, marigolds, orchids, gerberas, roses, petunias, and impatiens are commonly grown in cocopeat, leading to vibrant blooms and robust plant structures.
Cacti and Succulents: When mixed with perlite or sand for enhanced drainage, cocopeat provides an ideal medium for drought-tolerant plants like aloe vera and various cacti species.
Tree Seedlings: Nurseries widely use cocopeat for propagating a wide range of tree seedlings, ensuring strong root development and successful transplanting.
How to Use Cocopeat for Greenhouse Farming Seedling Propagation
Cocopeat is rapidly becoming the preferred medium for seedling propagation due to its ability to create an optimal environment for germination and early plant growth. Compressed cocopeat blocks are typically rehydrated by soaking them in water, where they expand significantly.
For seedling trays, the rehydrated cocopeat, often mixed with perlite or vermiculite for added drainage and aeration, provides a sterile, disease-free environment. Seeds are sown into this fluffy medium, which ensures consistent moisture and excellent oxygenation for quick and healthy root development. The ease of transplanting seedlings grown in cocopeat, with minimal root disturbance, further enhances its appeal for nurseries and commercial growers. While cocopeat itself has low nutrient content, it effectively holds and releases nutrients from added fertilizers, allowing for precise nutrient management crucial for delicate seedlings.
