Coconut coir as peat moss alternative

Coconut coir (the fibrous husk of coconuts) is an increasingly popular sustainable replacement for peat moss in raised bed mixes. Unlike peat, which takes thousands of years to form in boreal bogs and releases stored carbon when harvested, coir is a renewable agricultural byproduct. Coir has a near-neutral pH (5.8-6.8) versus peat's acidity (3.5-4.5), reducing the need for lime amendments. It holds 8-9 times its weight in water while maintaining excellent aeration. Coir comes in compressed bricks or blocks that expand dramatically when hydrated (one 11-lb brick yields approximately 2.5 cubic feet). A brick costs $15-25 and replaces an equivalent volume of peat moss. To use, soak the brick in a large container with warm water for 30-60 minutes, breaking it apart as it absorbs. Coir is low in nutrients, so it must be combined with compost and fertilizers. Some coir products contain high sodium from saltwater processing; rinse thoroughly or buy pre-washed/buffered brands (Canna Coco, Mother Earth, or Char Coir). Coir decomposes more slowly than peat, maintaining soil structure longer.