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Reusing Cardboard in The Garden, Gardening With Cardboard

Friends, if you are fond of gardening, you must be keeping an eye on those useless things that you can use in your garden in some way.

One of those items is cardboard (also known as carton, paperboard, or corrugated box). Yes, the same cardboard that is mainly used for packing, but most people throw it away, thinking it’s useless. However, did you know that if you use this cardboard wisely in your garden, it could offer many benefits?

Cardboard used in Gardening and Horticulture

Since cardboard is made from tree and wood pulp, it is affordable, eco-friendly, and decomposes naturally over time. These features make it perfect for gardening after its original use.

Let’s explore the various ways it can be used in gardening.

Cardboard Weed Suppression

Friends, you might have noticed that unwanted plants, or weeds, often grow in your garden or pots. These weeds continuously absorb nutrients from the soil, which reduces the amount available to your main plants and hampers their growth.

And these unwanted plants grow mostly in the rainy season.

weed barrier of corrugated sheet
Carton sheet as a weed barrier

To prevent the germination and growth of unwanted plants and weeds, covering the soil around the plants with a cardboard sheet helps to block sunlight from reaching them. The lack of sunlight effectively suppresses existing weeds and inhibits the germination of new weeds.

Mulching

During hot summers, ensuring adequate soil moisture for healthy plant growth becomes a crucial concern for gardeners. One innovative and environment-friendly solution lies in the utilization of cardboard mulch.

Carton pieces as mulching
Cardboard scraps for mulching

Applying a single layer of chopped or shredded cardboard around the base of your plants or directly in pots can significantly reduce water evaporation from the soil surface, keeping it damp for extended periods.

Soil Amendment

Cardboard provides a significant amount of carbon-rich material that greatly enhances soil structure and helps water drain better through the soil mix. Hence unlike cocopeat and rice husk, it can also be used as a soil amendment.

Soil additives
Cardboard scraps as a soil amendment

When we incorporate small pieces of cardboard into the soil, they gradually break down with exposure to soil and water. As they decompose, they contribute carbon-rich material to the soil.

This helps maintain a healthy balance of carbon and nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth and overall soil fertility.

For Composting

A carton is primarily composed of wood and plant fibers, which is a readily available and biodegradable material. This means it decomposes naturally in the soil, unlike leaves.

It contains carbon, which is an essential ingredient for successful composting. By mixing chopped carton pieces (30-40%) with nitrogen-rich materials like vegetable scraps, fruit peels, or cow manure, you can create a balanced compost pile (full of nutrients) that promotes healthy plant growth. 

As a Temporary Pot

Some corrugated carton boxes are quite durable, and even under constant exposure to moisture and direct contact with soil, they can last long. In most cases, they won’t break down for 5-6 months, especially if they stay in the same spot.

corrugated box uses in gardening
Carton box as a Planter

I love using such sturdy carton boxes as a planter in my garden to cultivate seasonal crops including vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and peas, or seasonal flowers like pansies, daisies, and marigolds. It is also a suitable option for germinating seeds.

However, to grow plants successfully in a cardboard box, avoid shifting and overwatering them.

But, keep in mind that they are composed of biodegradable materials, therefore do not use them to grow permanent plants.

Cardboard Greenhouse

Using a cardboard box as a greenhouse is an easy and cost-effective solution for small-scale gardening.

Simply cut the open side of the box and place your seedlings or plants inside the box now cover it with transparent polyethylene to trap heat and moisture just like a greenhouse.

This creates a warm, sheltered environment to grow new plants and protect them from insects. However, be sure to include some small holes in the box for sufficient ventilation to avoid overheating and maintain air circulation.

Things To Keep In Mind While Using It
  • Avoid using glossy or colored cardboard for gardening as such cardboard can spoil your soil.
  • For optimal performance, ensure all tape and pins are removed prior to use.
  • To facilitate faster decomposition, chop the carton boxes into smaller pieces before incorporating them into the soil.
  • It is recommended to use thick cardboard to prevent weeds as it is both sturdy and decomposes slowly, which aids in long-term weed suppression.
  • Use a thick and corrugated box to grow plants.

 

At last, I would say that using carton boxes in your garden not only helps the environment by reusing them instead of throwing them away, but it also offers a natural way to feed your plants.

So next time you have cardboard, think of ways to use it instead of throwing it away.

 

Coconut husk, uses and its by-products

coconut husk

Coconut husk

The coconut husk is a fibrous layer that surrounds the coconut fruit and serves as a protective shield for the inner fruit.

Coconut husk not only protects the inner fruit but also provides several valuable by-products that have various applications in different industries.

Coconut husks can be transformed into eco-friendly and sustainable products after going through a series of innovative processes, and these products can be used in gardening, industries, and day-to-day life.

By-products of coconut husk

A “by-product” refers to a secondary product that is created in addition to the main or intended product. Although by-products are not the primary focus of the process, they still have value and can be used for a variety of purposes.

By-products/leftover stuff can be reused, recycled, or repurposed to reduce waste and make things better.

Coco Peat (Coco Coir)

Cocopeat, also known as coir pith or coco dust, is one of the best by-products of coconut husk, and it is obtained by processing and grinding the fibrous material of the husk.

Its excellent moisture retention and antifungal properties make it the ideal choice for gardening, and anyone can easily make this ultimate growing medium at home for their roof garden.

Cocopeat is mainly used in

    1. Horticulture and gardening
    2. Seed starting and germination
    3. In hydroponics
    4. Potting mix

Coconut Fiber (Coir Fiber)

These are the long fibers extracted from coconut husk before it is converted into cocopeat. Coir fibers are extremely strong and durable.

These fibers have a natural ability to resist water and decay, which makes them a great choice for outdoor applications.

These fibers are widely used for making-

Coir Ropes and Twine:

Coir fibers are strong and durable, making them suitable for the production of ropes and twine. These products are extremely useful in agriculture, construction, and various crafts work.

Coir Mats and Rugs:

Coir fiber can be woven or tufted to make mats and rugs. These are popular because of their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. They are commonly used as doormats, floor coverings, and in entryways.

Biodegradable Coir Pots and Planters:

Coir fiber is used for making biodegradable pots, planters, and coco fiber poles for supporting climbing plants and vines.

Crafts Items:

Coir fibers are often used in crafts and DIY projects to create items like baskets, coir bird nests, and decorative ornaments.

Filling Material For Mattress:

Coir fibers can be processed and used as filling material for mattresses, and cushions due to their resilience and breathability.

coir rope, coir pot, moss stick

Coconut husk Chips (Coco Chips)

The small pieces or chunks of coconut husk are known as coco chips or coconut husk chips.

Coconut husk chips are well-known for their high water retention abilities and resistance to breaking down easily. Because of these qualities, they have become a popular medium in gardening and horticulture.

Coco chips are commonly used in:

Mulching: Coco chips are an excellent choice for mulching the plants. We can use coco chips to cover the soil to retain moisture and avoid weed growth.

Hydroponics: People who grow plants without soil, often use coco chips. these chips provide support for the plants and help maintain moisture levels in plants.

Composting: Coco chips can be added as a composting material to improve aeration and help break down organic matter.

Orchid Cultivation: Orchids like growing in coco chips. The chips provide good aeration and drainage, which orchids really enjoy.

Coconut Shell Charcoal:

The hard coconut shell is an integral part of the husk and the main protective shield of the inner fruit. This hard shell can be converted into charcoal by heating in a controlled environment without oxygen. This process is called “carbonization”.

This coco shell charcoal can be used in

(i) Water Filtration: Charcoal made from coco shells has excellent absorption capabilities. This charcoal removes impurities and pollutants from water, making water fresh and tasty.

(ii) Alternative to conventional charcoal.

(iii) A soil amendment: In gardening, it’s used as a soil amendment to improve soil quality. It also helps the soil to hold water and nutrients, making plants grow better.

(iv) Beauty products: Coco shell charcoal is used in various beauty products such as soap and face packs, to clean and refresh your skin.

(v) Fuel: People in many places use it as a clean-burning fuel for cooking, as it burns without producing a lot of smoke or harmful fumes.

Coconut Husk Ash 

Coconut husk ash is produced by burning coconut husks. It is an eco-friendly option for waste management that aids in the recycling of coconut husk waste.

This ash has applications such as

In some places, people use it to make soap because it’s a good cleaning agent.

Soap making: Nowadays coco husk ash can be used to make soap. Because of its good cleaning properties, many traditional soap-making companies are using it as a key ingredient.

Pest Control: Sprinkling coco husk ash around the plants can keep many pests away, like slugs and snails.

coco husk ash

 

Soil Conditioner: It can improve the texture of garden soil. It makes heavy soils lighter and helps sandy soils hold more water

To adjust soil pH: Some soil can be too acidic or too alkaline, which is not good for plants. Coco husk ash can be used to balance the pH level of the soil, making it just right for plants to thrive well.

These by-products of coconut husk reveal the versatility of this natural resource. The Proper utilization of these by-products promotes responsible resource management and eco-friendly practices.

 

Cocopeat: The Ultimate Growing Medium, Properties, Uses And Limitation

What is cocopeat

Cocopeat is a natural organic growing medium. It is a fibrous material having a sponge-like texture and is widely used in gardening.

Cocopeat is obtained by crushing the fibrous husk of dried coconut. You must have often seen that while peeling dry coconut, many small fibrous particles fall from its peels. These small coir particles are known as coco peat or coco coir.

Cocopeat is also known by other names, such as Coco Powder, Coconut Dust, and Coir Dust.

Properties of cocopeat or coco coir

1. Anti-Fungal and Disease Resistance: Cocopeat has a natural resistance to diseases, fungi, pests, and weed growth. This makes it a safe and better choice for gardening and farming.

2. Lightweight: It is lightweight compared to traditional garden soil, making it easy to handle and transport. Its lightness also reduces the weight of grow bags and planters when mixed with normal soil (especially in hanging pots).

3. Enhanced Aeration: The coarse fibrous texture of cocopeat allows good aeration in the potting mixture. It facilitates a smooth flow of air, providing sufficient oxygen to the roots. It also prevents the soil from becoming compact and hard.

4. Excellent Water Retention: coco peat has excellent water retention properties. It can hold the water 8-10 times its weight, making it an ideal growing medium for those regions where water conservation is important. 

5. Versatility: Coco peat can be used in various gardening applications, such as in potting mixtures, hydroponics, seed starting, soil amendment, and as a mulching material.

6. Improve Drainage: Its coarse fibrous structure also allows better drainage from potting soil and thus prevents waterlogging in planters, this helps to reduce the chances of root rot.

7. Eco-friendly and affordable: Coco peat is a 100% organic, non-toxic plant-based product, which is safe for both the environment and humans. Since cocopeat is made from waste coconut husk, it is also cheaper than other growing mediums, and can also be made easily at home.

8. Biodegradable: Coco peat is biodegradable, which means it can break down naturally over time.

After use, it can also be decomposed into nutrient-rich organic compost which further enhances the overall fertility of the soil.

Various applications of coco peat

  • For making cocopeat pellet/coco discs, which are mainly used for seed germination.
  • In hydroponics for holding the root system.
  • To reduce soil compactness.
  • For mulching, to avoid unwanted weeds.
  • For propagating plant cuttings.
  • As a rooting medium in branch air layering.
  • In soilless farming.
Applications of cocopeat

Benefits of using cocopeat in gardening

  • Since cocopeat is lightweight, it can significantly reduce the overall weight of pots and grow bags which makes them much lighter and easier to move around when needed. This is particularly helpful for rooftop gardens.
  • Provides proper aeration to the roots and improves drainage, preventing waterlogging and the risk of root diseases.
  • Promoting better root growth.
  • Its coarse fibrous structure improves soil structure and prevents soil compaction.
  • Its moisture retention and aeration properties create favorable conditions for seeds and baby plants to sprout and develop healthy roots.
  • Because of anti-fungal and disease-resistance properties, it can resist certain diseases, pests, and fungi. This reduces the need for chemical treatments and pesticides, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly option for gardening.
  • Cocopeat naturally helps to control weed growth in your garden.
  • Its fibrous texture provides a stable and supportive growing medium for plants, which makes it an excellent choice for hydroponic farming.

Process of making cocopeat at home

how to make coco peat at home

Here are some easy steps to make coco peat at home

  1. Collect some dried coconut. You can either buy them from the grocery store or obtain them from your own coconut fruit.
  2. Extract the outer fibrous husk carefully from the dry coconut fruit using a knife or machete.
  3. Cut these husks into small pieces.
  4. Leave the collected husks in full sunlight for 24 -48 hours to ensure no moisture in them.
  5. Once the coir husk is completely dry, break it into smaller particles by rubbing it between your hands or using any mixer grinder.
  6. After grinding those husks, you will receive a lot of coco coir dust.
  7. Soak for about 24-48 hours and rinse properly to reduce salt concentration from this coco coir dust.
  8. Squeeze out extra water from it. Now your homemade cocopeat is ready for use. You can also store it for future use.

How to use Coco Coir

Coconut husk, which is used to make cocopeat, naturally contains a higher amount of salt compared to other organic growing mediums. To minimize this, cocopeat manufacturers usually rinse and leach it properly. However, some manufacturers skip this step.

When we use cocopeat that hasn’t been properly rinsed and leached, for growing seeds or baby plants, there’s a higher risk of their spoilage.

Typically cocopeat is available in the form of compressed blocks of different sizes and powder form. These blocks are known as coco coir bricks or coco peat blocks. To use them efficiently follow these steps:

how to use cocopeat

  • Put coco coir brick in a big container and pour enough water into it.
  • Allow it to absorb water for a few hours until it expands and becomes fluffy.
  • Now, you can either rinse the cocopeat with clean water 2-3 times or gently squeeze it to remove salty water.
  • For best results, use only 20-40% cocopeat in potting mix. depending on plant variety.

Limitations and drawbacks of using in gardening

  • As coco peat contains high salt concentration, it can negatively impact seed germination and plant growth if not rinsed and leached correctly before use.
  • Cocopeat has low inherent nutrient levels, so additional fertilizer is required to meet the nutritional needs of plants.
  • Because of excellent water retention properties, cocopeat can hold moisture for longer periods. Hence frequent watering or over-watering can cause root rot.
  • With repeated use and watering, cocopeat becomes compacted, reducing its ability to provide adequate aeration to plant roots, which causes poor root growth and overall plant health.
  • Cocopeat decomposes slowly in the soil, which means it remains useless in the potting mixture for a long time.
Comparison of coco peat with other growing media
Property Coco peat Vermicompost Peat Moss Vermiculite
Source Coconut husks Organic waste decomposed by earthworms Decayed plant material Natural minerals
Composition Natural fiber Organic matter and worms Decomposed sphagnum moss Natural mineral flakes
Water Retention Excellent Good Excellent Excellent
Aeration Good Excellent Good Excellent
Nutrient Content Negligible High Low None
pH Level Slightly acidic to neutral Slightly acidic to neutral Very acidic Neutral
Decomposition Rate Slow Moderate Very slow Does not decompose
Tips and Techniques for Using Cocopeat Effectively
  • Soaking and rinsing: Prior to using cocopeat as a growing medium or as a soil amendment, soak it in water to absorb sufficient moisture. After soaking, squeeze out extra water from it, this also helps to lower salt concentration from it.
  • Provide adequate drainage: While using for seed germination, ensure to provide proper drainage in containers. This prevents waterlogging and allows excess water to drain out effectively.
  • Monitor moisture: As cocopeat can hold moisture for longer hence before watering check the moisture level to avoid overwatering in plants. You can check the moisture either by hand or by using a moisture meter.
  • Mix with other amendments: To create a well-balanced growing medium, mix it with other materials like perlite or compost. This combination also helps to improve, aeration, drainage, and nutrient retention in the potting mixture.
cocopeat soil

 

  • Apply adequate fertilizers: Remember, cocopeat is not a fertilizer. Hence, for healthy plant growth, make sure to use enough fertilizer or organic compost.
  • Recycling and reusing: Because of slow decomposition, you can reuse it. After each growing cycle, remove any plant debris or roots of old plants, rinse it thoroughly, amend it with fresh compost, and reuse it in your garden.
Common mistakes while using cocopeat

Mistake 1: Assuming as a compost

Many beginners make the mistake of assuming that coco peat alone can provide all essential nutrients to their plants. However, coco peat has some nutrients, but it’s not a complete fertilizer. Hence be sure to add adequate fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for plants for their healthy growth.

Mistake 2: Using unrinsed or low-quality coco peat

Being careful about using unrinsed and low-quality coco peat is essential for getting optimum results, as such types of coco peat may contain high salt levels and other harmful materials that could harm your plants. However, many people don’t realize this and use it directly in their gardens, which is not a good practice.

Mistake 3: Neglecting aeration and drainage

Even though fresh coco peat provides better aeration and good drainage, it still needs proper aeration and drainage support. As it gets compacted over time, it may restrict the flow of oxygen to the roots, hindering plant growth. To prevent this, using other soil amendments like perlite or vermiculite helps to improve the aeration and drainage of your potting mix.

Mistake 4: Overwatering the plants

Generally, people water their plants without checking the soil moisture. However, if they make the same mistake with a cocopeat-mixed potting mix, there are higher chances of root rot and poor plant growth. This is because coco peat has excellent water-holding capacity, and overwatering can cause excessive water accumulation near the roots.

Mistake 5: Ignoring pH Levels

Coco peat has a slightly acidic to neutral pH, which is suitable for most plants. but, its pH can vary depending on the source and process of manufacturing. Hence depending on the special plant variety and soil type, testing and adjusting soil pH before using, helps to get the optimum output.

Mistake 6: Reusing without proper treatment

As coco peat is reusable, many people directly use their old cocopeat without any prior treatment. However old used coco peat may contain plant debris, roots, and other residues, hence reusing without proper treatment may impact plant health.

By avoiding these common mistakes, and with a little care and attention, we can get amazing results from this fantastic and eco-friendly growing medium.

By-products of coconut husk 

Coconut husk, the fibrous outer layer of coconuts, provides many valuable by-products that have various applications. These by-products are obtained by processing and utilizing the coconut husk waste. Here are some of the main by-products of coconut husk.

  1. Coco Coir Fiber: These are the long fibers extracted from coconut husks. These fibers are widely used for making-
    • Ropes
    • Filling material for mattresses
    • Coir pots for garden
    • Coco fiber poles to support climbing plants and vines
    • Coir bird nests
  2. Coco Chips: The small pieces or chunks of coconut husk are known as coco chips or coconut husk chips. These are commonly used in
    • Potting Medium
    • For Mulching
    • Orchid cultivation
  3. Coco coir dust (coco peat): Also known as coir pith or coir dust. It is mainly used in
    • Horticulture and Gardening
    • Seed Starting and Hydroponics
    • In mulching
  4. Coconut Shell Charcoal: The hard coconut shells, which are part of the husk, can be transformed into charcoal through the carbonization process. This coco shell charcoal can be used as
    • Fuel
    • Activated Carbon, which is widely used in water purification.

Commonly Asked Questions 
 

 Does cocopeat provide nutrients to plants?

No, cocopeat doesn’t contain any nutrients itself, so it does not provide significant nutrients to plants.

 Can we reuse cocopeat?

Yes, because of its slow decomposition cocopeat can be used again and again for seed germination.

 Is coco peat a fertilizer?

No.

 What can be used in place of coco peat?

Rice husk/hull, peat moss, and wood sawdust can be used as alternatives to cocopeat.
 

 Can we use coco peat for all plants?

Most of the plants thrive well in coco peat, except succulents and cacti.
 

 Can I make coco peat at home?

Yes, anyone can easily make a small amount of cocopeat for their roof garden from dried coconut husk.
 
 How much cocopeat should be mixed in the soil?

20% to 40% depending on the type of soil and the specific needs of your plants.
 
 What is the price of 1 kg coco peat?

Around $10