How to Make and Use Cocopeat at Home –

An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Do you know why coconut tree is also called “Kalpavriksha” – because it’s a tree that not just gives food but also firewood and shelter. Wondering how? Well, we might know it for the coconut and tender coconuts but did you know that the outside layer of husk that surrounds the shell of coconut consists of fibers which are removed from the shells to make ropes, carpets, doormats, brushes, mattresses and the powdery dust which remains after preparing the above makes for coco peat that can be used in gardening. The coconut fronds are used in thatched roofs in rural areas and have many different uses. The incredible truth is that no part of the coconut used goes to waste! Every part is beneficial to us and man has learned to put them to good use.

So coming to the topic…

What is Cocopeat?

Cocopeat is a byproduct that remains after the extraction of coconut fibers from the husks or shells. It is also called “coir fiber pith” or “coir dust”.

Cocopeat is full of nutrients and is an excellent growing medium.

Some interesting facts about cocopeat:

• Cocopeat has a high amount of nutrients. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, high potassium content, magnesium zinc etc
• It has amazing water-absorbing properties. A single kg of dry cocopeat will expand up to 15 liters in water. It can retain several liters of water for several months. So plants need to be watered less frequently.
• Moisture retention capacity of coco peat is very high. About 600-800 %.
• It has good aeration and drainage properties. It keeps the soil loose and airy.
• Cocopeat can be compressed to ⅕ of its original volume thus it can be effectively transported without any fuss.

Isn’t that amazing!

Before we move on to making it, here is a Fact check for you;

Fact check – To make 5 kilograms of cocopeat, you need approx. 30-40 coconuts (Source internet – Not from personal experience)

How to Make Cocopeat at Home

Cocopeat can be made easily at home and one can ensure it is clean and pure without any added adulterations. Cocopeat is biodegradable and eco-friendly and an amazing growth medium.

Steps to prepare:

• Collect coconut husk and store them in a clean place.
• After pulling out fibers, dry them. Then chop or cut them into small pieces with help of a good pair of scissors or cutters.
• Grind them in a mixer grinder to a fine powder. The coco fiber will be separated as fluff.
• Remove the fibers out of coco peat powder with the help of a sieve.
• Manually remove the fibers from atop the sieve. You can use a good stainless steel soil sieve.
• This resultant peat should be washed with water to remove excess salts.
• Soak the peat in water for about an hour.
• Squeeze out excess water with hands.
• Dry it in direct sunlight for a day.
• Coco peat is ready to be used.
• You can fill it in a planter and start planting.

You can alternatively purchase coco peat from your local garden store and use it according to the instructions on the manual.

I hope this post was helpful in answering some of your questions regarding coco peat and how to make it at home.

See you soon with another useful post! If you haven’t read my post on home composting, then read it here.

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