A grower’s choice with Jo: “My houseplants definitely prefer coir”

Our featured grower, Jo talks about her experiences of growing with CoirProducts. Having first come across coir in garden centres, Jo saw coir as a viable, planet-friendly alternative to peat, and today CoirProducts are a natural part of her gardening routine. Jo goes on to tell us why CoirProducts coir pots are a firm favourite of hers, what she loves to grow using coir, and also shares tips with those new to using coir. Speaking of sustainability, she recognises the versatility of coir, how it helps her reuse products, and add structure to the soil.  

Tell us a bit about yourself and your gardening journey? 

 As a full-time worker, my garden time is mostly reserved for weekends and the occasional peaceful moment in the evening. I’m very much a home gardener, and there’s something incredibly special about filling the house with flowers I’ve grown myself. Dahlias and tulips are firm favourites. My current home and garden are fairly new to me, so I’m treating it as an exciting work in progress. Right now, it’s a cheerful mix of containers, emerging beds and borders, and lots of plans in the pipeline. 

How did you first get into growing your own plants, vegetables, or flowers?  

My passion for gardening really took root when I moved into a house with a south-facing garden. I began with simple bedding plants in pots—bright, cheerful blooms that were easy to care for—alongside a few vegetables like courgettes and beans. I gradually expanded into perennials and seasonal flowers, experimenting with colour, texture, and structure. Gardening has always felt familiar to me; I have fond memories of planting things as a child, and I was lucky to be surrounded by keen gardeners in my family. 

 When did you first come across coir products — and what drew you to it?  

I first discovered coir products while browsing garden centres. I already knew coir could be used as a potting mix, pots, and other gardening essentials, but it was the growing awareness around peat-free alternatives that made me take a closer look. With peat compost becoming increasingly unsustainable, coir stood out as a viable, planet-friendly option for gardeners who care about the future. 

How long have you been using coir products? 

 I’ve been using coir products for around four years now, and it has become a natural part of my gardening routine. I use it for all sorts: starting seedlings, mixing in for containers as well as planting in coir pots.  

What coir products do you use most often — and what do you like about them? 

The coir pots are a firm favourite of mine. I like the variety of different sizes they come in which makes them so handy for seedings right up to established perennials. Plants don’t become pot bound in them due to the way the roots air prune. In addition they don’t get waterlogged as they drain well. They can also be planted directly in the soil without removing the pot.  

 Have you noticed any differences when using coir compared to peat or other alternatives? Do you have a favourite crop or plant that grows particularly well in coir? 

 My houseplants definitely prefer coir to any other growing medium. I’ve had plants that I thought were too neglected show a complete revival once they have been reported using coir vital grow® potting mix. 

What advice would you give to someone new to growing with coir products? 

My advice to someone new to using coir is to try a range of products. Find what works best for your interests. You may need to consider how much you water your plants and how. With coir being great for drainage, plants don’t become water logged. I find using trays and saucers helps with water conservation. 

What does sustainability mean to you in your gardening practice — and how does coir fit into that? 

Being sustainable in the garden is more than just being an alternative to peat. It’s thinking about what  products will last, what can be composted to improve soil health, what is cost effective. Coir fits in with this in my garden as I always reuse products where possible. The coir is helping to add structure to the soil. Coir is versatile and many of the products have several uses. 

What keeps you coming back to Coir Products? 

I keep coming back to coir products as they have just worked so well for me and my plants keep thriving. I love the range and versatility of the products that are available.