FAQs

About Coco Peat

What is coco peat?

Coco peat (also known as coir pith or coco coir) is a natural growing medium made from the fibrous husk of coconut shells. It is a byproduct of the coconut industry, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to peat moss. It has excellent water retention, natural aeration, and a near-neutral pH — making it ideal for a wide range of plants and growing setups.

Is coco peat the same as coir?

The terms are often used interchangeably. Coco peat, coir pith, and coco coir all refer to the same material — the fine, spongy fibre extracted from coconut husks. At Blue Apple Garden, we use the term coco peat throughout, but you may see coir or coco coir used elsewhere.

Is coco peat environmentally friendly?

Yes. Coco peat is made from coconut husk — a byproduct that would otherwise go to waste. It is renewable, biodegradable, and far more sustainable than mined peat moss, which takes thousands of years to form and depletes fragile peat bogs when extracted.

Expansion & Usage

How much does coco peat expand?

Our 5kg compressed block expands to approximately 75L of growing medium when fully hydrated. Our 15kg block expands to approximately 225L. Actual yield may vary slightly depending on how much water is used and how thoroughly the block is broken up.

How do I expand a coco peat block?

Place the compressed block in a large container or on a tarpaulin. Add warm water gradually — around 15–20 litres per 5kg block — and allow the block to absorb the water and expand. Break apart the loosened material with your hands or a tool as it hydrates. The process typically takes 15–30 minutes. Full instructions are on our How It Works page.

What is the pH of your coco peat?

Our coco peat is buffered and has a pH of approximately 5.8–6.5, which is suitable for most plants, including vegetables, herbs, and cannabis. Buffering also removes excess sodium and potassium salts that can interfere with nutrient uptake.

What does "buffered" mean?

Buffering is a treatment process where the coco peat is flushed and pre-charged with calcium and magnesium. Raw (unbuffered) coco peat contains high levels of potassium and sodium, which compete with calcium and magnesium for uptake by your plants — leading to deficiencies even when nutrients are present. Buffering removes these competing ions and stabilises the medium so your plants can feed effectively from day one. See our Why Buffered? page for full details.

Can I use coco peat on its own or does it need mixing?

Coco peat can be used on its own as a standalone growing medium, particularly for hydroponic or coco-specific growing. Many growers also mix it with perlite (typically 70% coco / 30% perlite) to improve drainage and aeration. It can also be blended with compost or topsoil to improve garden beds and containers.

What plants is coco peat suitable for?

Coco peat works well for vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, seedlings, and houseplants. It is widely used in raised beds, container growing, hydroponics, and propagation. It is particularly popular with tomatoes, peppers, cannabis, strawberries, and leafy greens.

Delivery

Do you offer free delivery?

Yes — free UK delivery is included with every order. No minimum spend required.

How long does delivery take?

Orders are usually dispatched within 1 working day (Monday to Friday).

• 5kg pack — delivered by Royal Mail Tracked 48, typically 2–3 working days from dispatch.
• 15kg pack — delivered by standard courier, typically 2 working days from dispatch.

Do you deliver to remote postcodes?

Yes, we deliver across the UK. Please note that deliveries to remote postcodes — including the Scottish Highlands, islands, and some areas of Northern Ireland — may take longer than the standard estimated times.

General

How should I store unused coco peat?

Unused expanded coco peat should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. If stored in a sealed bag or container, it will keep for many months. Compressed blocks should be kept dry and can be stored almost indefinitely before use.

Can coco peat be reused?

Yes. Coco peat can typically be reused for 2–3 growing cycles. After each cycle, flush the medium thoroughly to remove salt build-up, and top up with fresh nutrients before replanting. Dispose of it after it begins to break down and lose its structure.

I have a question that isn't answered here — how do I get in touch?

You can reach us via our Contact page. We aim to respond within 1 working day.