Lesson 2: Types of Coir Products

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify the different forms of coir used in gardening and growing
  • Understand the properties and ideal use cases for each format
  • Choose the right product based on gardening goals and environments

Introduction to Coir Product Forms

Coir comes in a range of formats — not because it’s complicated, but because gardening is diverse. The plant you grow, the space you have, and your goals (e.g., starting seeds vs maintaining a large planter) all determine which coir product works best.

These formats have been designed for versatility, sustainability, and ease of use — especially for beginners, families, schools, and even large-scale growers.

Product Profiles: In Detail

1. Coir Blocks & Bricks

  • What They Are: Compressed blocks of coir pith, typically 650g to 5kg in weight.
  • Use Case: Ideal for rehydration and mixing with compost or feeds. Often used in pots, beds, or planters.
  • Benefits:
    • Expand significantly when water is added (e.g., 5kg = ~80L)
    • Long shelf life and easy to store
    • Great base for creating your own potting mixes
  • Best For: Intermediate to advanced gardeners, container gardening, raised beds

2. Coir Coins / Discs

  • What They Are: Small, compressed discs that expand with water
  • Use Case: Excellent for starting seeds indoors or in classrooms
  • Benefits:
    • Mess-free
    • Built-in seed space
    • Often wrapped in biodegradable mesh
  • Best For: Beginners, children, schools, windowsill gardeners

3. Coir Pots & Trays

  • What They Are: Moulded coir fibres formed into small pots and seedling trays
  • Use Case: Plant directly into soil with the pot — no need to disturb roots
  • Benefits:
    • Biodegradable and plantable
    • Great for reducing transplant shock
    • Encourages root pruning
  • Best For: Growers concerned with plant health and sustainable materials

4. Growbags

  • What They Are: Pre-filled bags with coir for direct planting
  • Use Case: Ready-made media for tomatoes, strawberries, peppers
  • Benefits:
    • Clean, fast setup for patio or greenhouse use
    • Ideal for fruiting crops that need deep, moisture-rich roots
    • Often come with water retention and drainage layers
  • Best For: Balcony gardens, greenhouses, high-yield crops

5. Coir Chips & Blends

  • What They Are: Coarse chunks of coconut husk used for orchids or aeration
  • Use Case: Potting orchids, bromeliads, or mixing with finer coir for airflow
  • Benefits:
    • Provides airflow and drainage
    • Great for epiphytes and tropical plants
  • Best For: Orchid lovers, indoor plant enthusiasts

Reflection Questions:

  1. Which format of coir do you think would be most useful in your growing space?
  2. Have you ever struggled with transplant shock — could coir pots help reduce it?
  3. How might coir discs be useful for schools or teaching environments?

 

 Activities:

Activity 1 – Product Observation If you have a sample of more than one coir format (e.g., brick and disc), compare:

  • Water absorption rate
  • Ease of handling
  • Texture and colour

Activity 2 – Use Case Mapping Draw a chart or infographic matching each plant (e.g., tomato, sunflower, strawberry, basil, orchid) to its ideal coir product.

Activity 3 – Product Selection Quiz Scenario: You’re starting a rooftop tomato garden. Which product(s) should you choose, and why?

Bonus Activity (For Kids or Families) Make a coir coin mini-greenhouse using a plastic food container and a few coir discs. Track how long each seed takes to sprout.

Recap:

You’ve now explored the variety of coir-based products available, how they differ in use and structure, and how each one supports different growing goals. This knowledge helps you become not just a gardener — but a more strategic, eco-conscious grower.