Coconut coir was first introduced in the 19th century. However, it was not until the end of the 20th century that people acknowledged its potential as an effective and sustainable growing medium. Many researches have revealed that strawberries grow better in coir substrate. As a result, the product becomes the number one option for this type of plant. In this article, let’s discuss why the material is the best growing medium for strawberries nowadays! 

What is a coir substrate?

Coir substrate (or coco coir) is an organic product extracted from the coconut husk. At the moment, it is mainly used as a growing media or soilless substrate for horticultural applications.  Because it is a by-product of the coir fiber industry, coco coir is renewable and environment-friendly. Also, coir substrate is suitable for growing different kinds of plants. Therefore, the growing medium is favored by many gardeners around the world.

Top 5 reasons to grow strawberries in coir substrate

Nowadays, there are a lot of options to grow strawberries. Other than pure soil, you can plant it in mediums like Rock-wool, Perlite, or Bark. However, many gardeners agree that coir substrate is the best one out of those choices. Keep reading to know all the reasons why! 

Coir substrate reduces soil pathogen

Growing strawberries in regular soil can result in serious pathogen problems. Luckily, coir substrate is antifungal and bacteria-resistant. Therefore, no harmful fungi can infect the growing medium. Not to mention coco coir is enriched with Trichoderma. This characteristic plays an important role in reducing anthracnose disease in strawberry plants. For this reason, coir substrate can protect your garden from a series of dangerous soil-borne diseases.

Coir substrate makes room for beneficial bacteria

Coco coir substrate is high in lignin. This organic compound encourages the development of beneficial bacteria. As a result, it minimizes the spread of harmful ones in the growing medium. Because these beneficial bacteria remain in a symbiotic relationship with the plants, they can increase the overall growth and productivity. 

Coco coir retains water excellently

Since coco coir can retain water well, it is perfect for growing healthy strawberry plants. Planting strawberries in coir substrate requires less watering, which is ideal for busy gardeners. Besides that, the product has a great drainage capacity. This advantage helps to eliminate the problem of waterlogging, allowing plants to have the best growth possible. 

Coco coir ensures good aeration

Strawberries are the type of plant that requires a considerable amount of oxygen in their root zones. For this reason, the medium used to grow them must provide good aeration. Fortunately, coir substrate has been famous for naturally owning this property. As a result, it is an ideal medium for growing strawberries. With the high level of aeration and excellent drainage, coco coir supports the plant roots to develop their full potential. 

How to grow strawberries in coir substrate

An ideal potting mix for strawberries should include coco coir, perlite, and compost altogether. The perfect ratio is to mix 50% coconut coir with 30% perlite and 20% compost. When you have finished choosing your ingredients, here are the steps you need to follow to grow strawberries in coir substrate:

• Step 1: Put the substrate in a container; make sure it is about ⅔ full. Then, pour enough water for the coir to get damped. Carefully use your fingers to break apart any clumps. Keep stirring the fiber with your hands until it becomes light and airy. 
• Step 2: Add four to five handfuls of perlite into your coco coir and mix them with your hands. After that, scoop up the mixture into a container. It should be around one inch from the top. 
• Step 3: Use your fingers to estimate just enough growing medium to bury the plug with the existing roots evenly. Do not try to cover up the stems with your coir substrate. 
• Step 4: Place your planter in direct sunlight. Rotate it once or twice a day to support healthy growth. Also, each time you rotate the planter, spritz all your plants lightly with water. 
• Step 5: Water as needed. Always check up on your plants to avoid them being soggy or bone dry. When the coir on top turns into a lighter shade of brown, that is when you need to water your plants. 

Conclusion 

The article has just shown you the top 5 reasons why coir substrate is perfect for growing strawberries. If you are interested in buying the product, make sure to reach out to Tropicoco Vietnam. Tropicoco is a trusted supplier that has been supplying premium coco coir to hundreds of clients around the world. Contact the company below to receive exclusive deals, recommendations, and many more. 

Contact information

Tropicoco – The best substrate

Address: No.20 Ngan Long Villa, Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City

Email: giathe@tropical.vn

Hotline: +84 983230879

Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 8.00AM-5.00PM; Sunday: Closed