AusBonsai

Hey peoples, what are your thoughts on using " cocoa peat' in home made potting mixes,?? and has anyone used "kitty litter" in their potting mixes, for retaining moisture "WATER" not meow !!sssss. ??

James

Hi James,
I use a mix of 45% diatomite, 35% commercial native mix, and 20% coco peat.
After discussions with other growers the percentage of coco peat should vary depending on how much moisture retention you require. It has also been suggested that junipers do not like cocopeat, I will be paying careful attention to my junipers.

Gerard wrote:Hi James,
I use a mix of 45% diatomite, 35% commercial native mix, and 20% coco peat.
After discussions with other growers the percentage of coco peat should vary depending on how much moisture retention you require. It has also been suggested that junipers do not like cocopeat, I will be paying careful attention to my junipers.

Hi Gerard, thanks for your comment, does the cocoa peat become impenetrable like peat moss if it dries a little also have you had any bad results with diatomite, or heard of any at all, I have had some comments from orchid growers that it eventually turns to mush, what about anyone else. ?? Might post the question.
James

Hi,

I was using 25% coco peat when my grit component (50%) wasn't diatomite. Once I started using diatomite I didn't see the point in continuing with the coco peat as it's absorbent enough. Although my area is quite shaded and moist already, I think you'd have to adjust your ingredients to your area.

On diatomite, I ran into issues when I DIDN'T sieve it, the mix went hard rapidly. You should get all the dust out or you run the risk of compaction. Other than that, I haven't had any issues with it, and I re-use it over and over with no problems.

teejay wrote:Hi,

On diatomite, I ran into issues when I DIDN'T sieve it, the mix went hard rapidly. You should get all the dust out or you run the risk of compaction. Other than that, I haven't had any issues with it, and I re-use it over and over with no problems.

Interesting Teejay.
I have one tree in a pot that tends feel a bit solid sometimes... I wonder!
I do not ususally wash my Diatomite, but after potting will allways Water with a hose 'till the drains run clear

ken

Hi James,
The reason cocopeat is preferred is that it retains its wetability and I do not have the issues of impenetrable soils.

senseijames wrote:

Gerard wrote:Hi James,
I use a mix of 45% diatomite, 35% commercial native mix, and 20% coco peat.
After discussions with other growers the percentage of coco peat should vary depending on how much moisture retention you require. It has also been suggested that junipers do not like cocopeat, I will be paying careful attention to my junipers.

Hi Gerard, thanks for your comment, does the cocoa peat become impenetrable like peat moss if it dries a little also have you had any bad results with diatomite, or heard of any at all, I have had some comments from orchid growers that it eventually turns to mush, what about anyone else. ?? Might post the question.
James

As mentioned in another thread earlier peat moss becomes very hard to rewet once it dries out while coco peat does not have this problem. Also coco peat is produced from a waste product while peat moss is 'mined' from ancient bog ecosystems that are rare and destroyed by the process. Coco is definitely a better choice that ordinary peat.

THANKS everyone for the replys and information so far.
James