what is coir?

[ckfe]

i was looking at the lasagna planting on thriftyfun.com and it mentioned using coir in your raised bed, but what is it?.. i've searched on google but it just keeps bringing up coir mats and i had a look on here and everyone seems to already know what it is so none of the threads give a description of what it is

[Two_Sheds]

Coir - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You buy it packed into bricks like this, and soak it in a bucket prior to use. Goes like fluffy compost.

[Snadger]

Made from Coconut husks methink!

[rana]

Made from Coconut husks methink!

Not very green then unless there's a coconut plantation near Eccles......

[crichmond]

I use coir in my potting mix as it improves drainage, 3 scoops of mp and 1 scoop of coir.

[Marthaclematis]

Don't you mean Beccles Rana?

[rana]

Whether it's Eccles or Beccles I'd be suprised to see a coconut plantation..........

[HayleyB]

Coir mats are coconut husk and as a food byproduct it makes good use of something that would be thrown away. The only ungreen bit is carbon miles.......

[Flummery]

Yes, coconut waste. Sadly it has to be flown half way round the world to be used. I'm using a peat free compost which is composted council green waste. It's brilliant - and as it's Yorkshire Garden Supplies it hasn't come far either.

[Two_Sheds]

apparently it is shipped not flown. It is also packed small and is very light, so you can transport a LOT of the stuff cheaper than the heavier composts.

It is, as Flum says, a byproduct so nothing is being destroyed to grow it (unlike peat); it also provides income for a developing country. Horticultural Coir Ltd -Why use Coir?

[Flummery]

Ok sea-miles! It would be better used there where it's produced.

[NOG]

but its got no nutritunts in it. Its just a filler.

[Flummery]

True - but you do need a filler or the compost is too compacted.