Cocopeat is widely being used as a standalone substrate and a growing medium for plants. Compared to soil, it is lightweight and anti-fungal, and boosts root growth.
Over the years, cocopeat has become a garden essential. Gardener Reshma Ranjan shares a step-by-step guide to make cocopeat at home.
1. Collect upper peels from two to three coconuts.
2. Mix the peels in soil and water.
3. Keep the mixture aside in a jar or a bucket.
4. It is crucial to keep the coconut peels immersed in water for two months.
5. After about two months, strain the peels from the water.
6. Do not throw the leftover water; pour it into plants as it acts as a good liquid fertiliser.
7. Remove all excess water from the coconut peels and cut them into small pieces.
8. Grind these chunks with the help of a mixer.
9. Your homemade cocopeat is ready to use.
10. You can store and use it for more than a year.
Reshma also advises, “Do not throw away chunks that could not be converted into fine powder. You can use this coconut fibre for mulching plants.”