[Arid_gardener] Re: moss substitute - Coir

[Clair Spackman]

Olin et al,

I have just found coir at Acme Worm Farm, 5726 E.29th St. . Tucson, AZ 
85711 . 520-750-8056.

They sell it in 2.5, 5 and 10 cu ft blocks starting at $21.  Not cheap but 
that does include UPS ground delivery fees.

This is what they have to say about coir 
(http://www.acmewormfarm.com/supplies.html#coir)
Our Coconut Pith Fiber comes from Sri Lanka, where they soak their coir in 
fresh water reservoirs to insure low salt levels. It's of the highest 
quality available. Coir is superior to peat moss in many aspects. Coir has 
antibiotic properties against pathogens, is loaded with natural growth 
hormones, soaks up more water than peat moss, soaks it up quicker, and holds 
it longer.  Potting soils made with coir do not require a wetting agent. 
Using coir in place of peat moss also means less strip mining of bogs. These 
blocks are compressed 5:1.  Each block yields 2-1/2 cubic feet.  Put one in 
a wheelbarrow with five gallons of warm water, and watch it grow to full 
size in about an hour (or two hours with cold water). Coir also make great 
worm bedding when mixed half and half with compost or aged manure.

Clair