International compost week: coir vs compost – what’s the difference?

As we celebrate International Compost Awareness Week from 4th to 10th May, it’s the perfect time to dig deeper into sustainable gardening choices. One common question that arises is: what’s the difference between coir and compost? At CoirProducts.co.uk, we’re passionate about giving you practical, eco-conscious solutions for your garden. So let’s clarify how coir potting mix fits into the world of composting — and why it’s become a go-to choice for so many gardeners and growers. 

Coir and compost: not the same, but a perfect pair 

Coir  — short for coir potting mix, coconut coir, coco coir, coir pith, coco peat  — is made from the fibrous husk of the coconut. It’s natural, biodegradable, peat-free, and an excellent soil amendment. But here’s the key point: coir is not compost, even though it is sometimes referred to as such due to its beneficial properties.

Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and broken down through microbial activity, often made from food scraps, garden waste, and other biodegradable materials. 

Coir, on the other hand, doesn’t naturally contain high levels of nutrients but it plays a crucial role in improving soil structure, aeration, and water retention. Think of coir as a base or carrier that works beautifully in combination with compost or added nutrients to create a healthy, fertile growing environment. 

How coir supports composting 

Coir Potting Mix is often used as a composting material or soil amendment, promoting faster, more even decomposition. 

When added to garden beds or potting mixes or potted plants, coir improves: 

• Water retention – helping roots stay hydrated

   

• Aeration – preventing compaction and supporting root health

   

• Drainage – keeping excess moisture from building up

   

Trusted by growers, our products that bring coir and composting together 

Our exciting and innovative range brings something for everyone when it comes to coir potting mixes: 

Coir Vital Grow® 

Our premium 80L coir-based potting mix, Coir Vital Grow®, is crafted to give you exceptional value and performance. It offers an ideal growing medium for seedlings, potted plants, and container gardening — giving you peat-free, natural benefits in a large, ready-to-use format. Available in compressed bricks, discs, bags. Our 80L Coir Vital Grow potting mix is unique in the market, bringing you value for money. Why settle for less when you can always have more? 

Coir Plus® with added nutrients (NPK) 

Looking for a coir product that also supplies your plants with nutrients? Our Coir Plus® all purpose compost combines high-quality coir with NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), meaning you don’t need to add additional fertilisers immediately. This makes it a convenient and sustainable all-in-one solution — especially for new gardeners or those transitioning away from peat. NPK provide plants essential nutrients for leafy growth and development.  

CoirNutri® 

Our revolutionary CoirNutri® is crafted with de-composted coir and enriched with NPK, which makes it the ideal All Purpose Compost. Not only does CoirNutri® serve as a growth substrate, but it also functions as a compost. Through natural microbial activity and decomposition, CoirNutri® transforms into a nutrient-rich soil amendment, further enhancing plant health and viability. 

CharoGaia® 

Premium Blend of Coir & Biochar – Enhances soil structure, promotes root development, and improves aeration. This all-purpose compost is crafted for conscious gardeners who demand the best for their plants and the planet. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, CharoGaia® provides an exceptional growing medium that enhances soil health while preserving nature’s balance. 

DomusCoir® 

DomusCoir® nurtures houseplants, creating a thriving indoor oasis. Inspired by the connection between home and nature, DomusCoir® was born out of a desire to bring luxury, sustainability, and innovation into modern plant care. It represents not just a compost mix but a philosophy of refined, responsible living, where plants and homes flourish in harmony. 

EcoCharisma 

Orchids symbolise elegance, rarity, and perfection, and their care demands nothing less than the finest growing medium. Enter EcoCharisma—a luxury orchid compost crafted for those who seek both botanical excellence and sustainability. Born from a commitment to eco-conscious innovation, EcoCharisma embodies the harmony between nature and sophistication. 

Why go peat-free? 

Peat bogs are crucial carbon sinks, and harvesting peat releases significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. That’s why switching to peat-free options like coir is vital for sustainable gardening and soil health. 

Why choose CoirProducts 

At CoirProducts, we take pride in bringing products that are ethically produced and sourced. Crafted with care for people and the planet, our products embody our ethos, from the earth, back to the earth. With a philosophy rooted in innovation, sustainability, and community, our innovative range will have further additions in the coming months.  

Coir is one of the most versatile and sustainable tools you can use to support healthy, thriving soil. Whether you’re starting seedlings, improving poor soil, or building your own compost pile, coir is a smart, eco-friendly choice. 

At CoirProducts.co.uk, we’re proud to provide natural, biodegradable, and peat-free products that help you grow better — and greener.