Cocomats: The Secret Ingredient for Successful Microgreens Growth 

As we know microgreens have gained immense popularity in recent years due to their exceptional nutritional value, vibrant flavors, and versatility in culinary creations. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice looking to put your first steps in microgreens business, the choice of growing medium plays a crucial role in the cultivation process.

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In this article, we will go over the world of coco mats and explore why we recommend them as the one of the best choices for growing microgreens. Please find below the article paragraphs below:

 

1. What are Cocomats? &#;&#;

2. Advantages and benefits of using Cocomats in growing microgreens?

3. Tips for Using Cocomats with Microgreens

4. Coco Substrate's Versatility and Worldwide Usage &#;&#;

5. Conclusion about growing microgreens on cocomats

6. FAQ

 

1. What are Cocomats? &#;&#;

Cocomats are coconut fiber-made growing media specifically prepared and designed for cultivating sprouts, microleaves, micro herbs, and microgreens. They offer an effortless and mess-free base for growing greens without the need for using soil.

They are made from cleaned coconut husks. Coco fiber mats provide an ideal environment for plant growth, offering perfect moisture levels and ample space for root development. They are biodegradable and easy to use, making them a popular choice among growers. 

One of the key advantages of cocomats is their user-friendly nature. They eliminate the mess typically associated with conventional growing media, providing a cleaner and more convenient cultivation process. This characteristic has significantly elevated their popularity among growers. But more about the advantages of using coco mats in microgreens cultivation is in the next paragraph. 

 

Cocomat for growing microgreens&#;&#;

2. Advantages and Benefits of Cocomats for Microgreens

When it comes to growing microgreens, using coco mats as a growing medium offers numerous advantages that contribute to successful cultivation. So, let's explore one by one the key benefits:

 

Minimal Preparation 

Starting from the beginning. Beginning of preparation for the growing process. One of the remarkable advantages of coco mats is their minimal preparation requirement. Unlike traditional soil that needs to be sterilized or amended, coco mats are usually already cleaned and ready to use straight out of the package. 

PRO TIP: On some of the videos on Youtube, I saw when people leave them for 24 hours to be soaked, but I do not see any need for that. I am pretty sure that it is totally not needed. Change my mind! 

No preparation = saves time and effort, which makes it convenient for both home gardeners and commercial growers.

 

Superior Water Retention &#;&#;

Cocomats have exceptional water-holding capacity, ensuring that your microgreens receive adequate moisture for healthy growth. The mats prevent overwatering, allowing the roots to access water as needed, reducing the risk of root rot.

 

Excellent Drainage and Aeration &#;&#;&#;

Proper airflow and drainage are vital for microgreens' root development and overall health. Cocomats facilitate air circulation, preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged. The mats also help in preventing mold or fungal growth, ensuring a disease-free growing environment.

 

Add-ons free Medium &#;&#;

Coconut fiber itself does not contain any nutrients but also any other substances that may negatively influence microgreens while growing. 

And you know what? This is very good information. 

Why? Because thanks to that, you eliminate the risk that your greens get some disease or mold from the growing substrate!

The only thing you need to remember about while using cocomats or cococoir base for cultivation plants is that you need to use fertilizer! 

 

Adaptable for your business  &#;&#;&#;

Cocomats are lightweight, easy to handle, and fit various tray sizes, making them convenient for home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Here in MP SEEDS we can prepare the cocomats in the size and shape you need. 

You have an unusual size of trays which you use, or you need mats in bulk. Do not worry! We and our coco mats are flexible and adaptable to your business. Just let us know what you need.

 

Ideal for Half-Hydroponic Growing

Coco mats are well-suited for half-hydroponic growing methods, which involve providing a hydroponic-like environment while still using a growing medium. (Why half hydroponic? Read what exactly is the hydroponic growing system in the FAQ questions in the last part of the article.)

With coco mats, you can enjoy the benefits of hydroponics, such as efficient nutrient delivery and controlled moisture levels, while still utilizing a solid medium for root support.

 

Ecological and Sustainable

Coco mats are an eco-friendly choice for microgreen cultivation. They are made from the fibers of coconut husks, which is a waste of the coconuts in the food industry.

It is a renewable and biodegradable resource. 

By using coco mats, you contribute to reducing waste and promoting sustainability in agriculture. Additionally, coco mats can be recycled or composted after use, further minimizing their environmental impact.

 

3. Tips for Using Cocomats with Microgreens

Preparing the Cocomats &#;&#;

To use cocomats, simply soak them in warm water with the addition of fertilizer. Once soaked, place the mats in your tray or growing container, and they are ready to use. 

PRO TIP: During watering rub them a little bit to let them gain some volume and roughness. 

This simple and straightforward process allows you to make the most of every seed, maximizing water retention and your harvest potential. 

 

Sowing Seeds &#;&#;

Spread the seeds evenly across the cocomats, allowing sufficient space for growth. Press the seeds gently into the mats to establish good seed-to-mat contact, no seed-to-seed contact. Nothing more you need to do. For the germination process you can put one tray on another, and let the seeds rest. 

 

Watering &#;&#;

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Water the cocomats from the bottom by placing them in a tray filled with a thin layer of the water. The easiest is to use a set of matching microgreens growing trays fitting to each other but one with and one without holes. 

This method ensures that the water is absorbed gradually and evenly by the roots, preventing waterlogging.

 

Harvesting &#;&#;

The fibrous nature of cocomats makes harvesting a breeze. Once your microgreens have reached the desired height, gently cut them just above the cocomats. 

This is the most satisfying part because coco mats stay in one piece during the harvesting of microgreens, and keeping their roots under the cocomat line makes the process clean, easy and comfortable even if you are doing it for the first time. 

We wish you a pleasant harvest! 

 

4. Coco Substrate's Versatility and Worldwide Usage &#;&#;

Coconut substrate, such as coir mats, extends beyond microgreen cultivation. Actually using them to grow microgreens is quite a new and innovative way of use.

It is widely used in various industries and products. The global adoption of coco substrate showcases its versatility and sustainability in multiple sectors.

Here are some notable examples:

 

Agriculture and Horticulture

Coco substrate has gained significant recognition as an alternative to traditional soil in agriculture and horticulture. It serves as an excellent growing medium for not only microgreens but also a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants. Its water retention properties, aeration capabilities, and nutrient-rich composition make it highly suitable for hydroponic systems, container gardening, greenhouse cultivation, and urban farming.

 

Landscaping and Roof Gardens

Coco substrate is increasingly employed in landscaping projects and roof gardens. Its lightweight composition makes it suitable for rooftop installations, where weight restrictions may be a concern. Coco mats provide a stable and supportive medium for plants while promoting healthy root development and moisture management.

 

Erosion Control and Ecological Restoration

Coco substrate finds application in erosion control and ecological restoration projects. It is used in erosion control blankets or matting systems to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or disturbed areas. The mats help retain moisture, protect soil from wind and water erosion, and facilitate the establishment of vegetation, contributing to land rehabilitation efforts.

 

Industrial and Consumer Products 

Apart from its applications in agriculture, coco substrate is utilized in various industrial and consumer products. Coco fiber is processed and used in manufacturing items such as:

• mats, 

• rugs,

• brushes,

• baskets,

• ropes, 

• mattress filling, 

• and even as a natural fiber reinforcement in composite materials. 

These eco-friendly products leverage the durability and sustainable characteristics of coco substrate.

The worldwide usage of coco substrate in these diverse sectors reflects its versatility, effectiveness, and ecological benefits. Its widespread adoption underscores the growing recognition of sustainable and innovative solutions for cultivation, as well as the utilization of renewable resources in various industries.

 

5. Conclusion about usage coco mats in growing microgreens

When it comes to growing microgreens, the choice of the right growing medium is paramount. Cocomats provide a wealth of benefits for microgreen cultivation, including excellent water retention, proper drainage, and aeration, as well as serving as a nutrient-rich medium. By incorporating cocomats into your growing setup, you give your microgreens the best!

 

FAQ about coco mats for growing microgreens

What is a hydroponic growing system?

Hydroponic cultivation is a method of growing plants without soil, where the plants are instead grown in a nutrient-rich water solution. This innovative technique allows plants to receive all the necessary nutrients directly from the water, promoting efficient growth and maximizing yield.

In hydroponics, plants are typically grown in an inert medium, such as perlite, rockwool, or coconut coir, which provides support for the roots while allowing the nutrient solution to flow freely. The plants' roots are immersed or periodically irrigated with the nutrient solution, ensuring they receive an optimal balance of essential minerals and elements required for growth.

 

What is better to grow microgreens: Cocomats or Cococoir?

When you are a microgrower you may have heard about the coco coir substrate as well. It is similar with coconut mats in what they are made of, and have other similarities but differences also. If you want to compare them, read our short article with pros and cons of coco mats and coco coir. 

 

Cococoir for growing microgreens&#;&#;

 

Where to Buy Cocomats?

Most import of coconut substrate in Europe comes from Asia, in big containers. As a small company it will be difficult to order small sizes directly from the producer. Eve with the increasing popularity of microgreens, cocomats are available in the individual online shops specializing in microgreen supplies. Look for reputable sellers that offer high-quality, organic cocomats to ensure optimal results. 

In MP SEEDS not only you get the clean coco mats, but we can prepare them in personalized shape and size in the quantity you need. 

 

 

What Is Coco Coir?

You may already know what Coco Coir is, but this article is for you if you don't. Coco Coir is an organic product from coconuts. It includes anything from the shell to the outside of the coconut. This fibrous section of the fruit is not eaten, thus leaving a significant portion as a waste product. No more!

Coco Coir is a hidden gem for your gardens of all types. With a highly water-retentive property, this growing medium can absorb up to 10 times its weight in water. Not only can it add organic matter to your poor soils, but it can also prevent your plants from drooping and drying out. One of the only downsides to using this growing medium has been the lack of nutrients it can offer your mature plants. However, it is perfect for seed starts as well as microgreens as these stages of growth do not require nutrients from the soil.

Beyond this stage your seedlings will require additional nutrients making the standard un-amended Minute Soil Coco Coir an ill-fit for growing plants to maturity. To use the standard un-amended version for this purpose, additional fertilizers and nutrients are required creating much more preparatory work. This drawback has recently been overcome as a successfully amended coco coir is now available to you as Minute Soil+. This amended version includes the additional nutrients to support a season's worth of plant growth and development.

What Should You Use Coco Coir To Grow?

Minute Soil Coco Coir - Minute Soil is the perfectly light, but water retentive growing medium for seed starting and microgreen growing. Our mats, pellets, pucks, bricks, and blocks allowing you to add the amount of growing medium you need without having to store bulky amounts of soil that take time to use, and are heavy to move. For your seed starting needs simply add your compressed coco coir to your growing container and add water. You can watch it expand before your eyes with less work and mess than traditional soil growing.

Minute Soil+ Coco Coir - You can use Minute Soil+ amended coco coir bricks and blocks to grow pretty much anything you want! It has also been a popular choice for starting seeds that are going to be grown to maturity within your starting container or with the Minute Soil+ Cube. Minute Soil+ has been enhanced with all of the nutrients needed to feed your plants for an entire growing season with ease. No additional fertilizers or amendments are necessary for a good growing experience. Use in garden beds, potting indoor plants, and container or greenhouse growing. This amended version now allows for greater use in herb and vegetable gardens for a gardener of any experience level or ability.

Use our easy-to-follow instructions for a positive growing experience that won&#;t break your back. We assure you our compressed Minute Soil+ packaging is easier and lighter to handle than traditional soil preparation processes. If you are limited to gardening in small spaces, containers, or by what your body will physically allow you to lift, give coco coir a try. All you have to do is place it in your container, add water, and plant!

One of the best things about using Coco Coir is its origins as a renewable resource. This is not some new product being invented purely for monetary gain. It comes as a natural waste product that is now being recycled back into the earth for growth in healthy and happy plants.

Whether you want to try it out in your garden, containers, seed starts, or microgreen growing, you can find Coco Coir that is perfect for your use. It is available on our website in pellets, pucks, bricks, blocks, cubes, 10x10 or 10x20 hydroponic grow mats under the Minute Soil brand. All Coco Coir is unamended unless clearly labeled otherwise.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Coco Grow Mats. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.