The summer season for many summer residents who grow seedlings with their own hands begins in winter. Not only do you need to accurately calculate the time of planting, you also need to thoroughly approach where the seedlings will grow. After all, it can vary significantly.

Where can you plant seedlings of vegetables and flowers.

For the convenience of gardeners, a wide variety of pots and balcony boxes, which are produced specifically for seedlings. Moreover, every year manufacturers surprise us with their inventions, which at first glance it is not clear how to use. So website gives instructions on how to use peat and coconut seedling tablets.

• The first of these can be mentioned peat tablets for seedlings. They are convenient to use for plants that do not tolerate picking. With their help, each plant initially grows in its individual capacity.

• Similarly, there are also coconut seedling tablets. They are similar to the first. The main difference lies in the filling of the seedling tablet. From the name it is clear that coconut flakes will be present in it.
• For the same purpose (growing without picking), seedling cassettes were designed. They look like boxes with many cells. Cucumbers, tomatoes and eggplants are grown in them so as not to harm the root system when picking.

Peat tablets for seedlings how to use

Let's start with them appearance. From the name it is clear that their shape is a small cylinder. Moreover, it significantly increases in height due to the absorption of moisture. And this must be done just before use. Growing seedlings in peat tablets simplifies its care, since microelements and growth stimulants are added to its composition.

The entire peat tablet is covered with a strong mesh. It does not allow the container to fall apart, even after soaking. However, it completely dissolves when buried in the ground in a permanent place.

On the market, various firms offer jiffy peat tablets. However, there are also domestic counterparts. They are no worse than imported ones and are much cheaper, which is always nice. All of them are equally convenient to use. Because peat tablets (Jiffy, for example) of the upper part have a hole thought out by technologists. It is in it that the seed must be immersed.

If you still have questions about how to use peat tablets, then the following sequence of actions will help:

• place them in rows in a container, the height of which will overlap the size of the swollen ones;
• pour warm water;
• leave to swell for the time specified in the instructions;
• drain excess water;
• put 1-2 seeds in each tablet;
• slightly deepen them;
• cover the container with glass or film;
• do regular ventilation;
• You can remove the film after the appearance of the first shoots.

If we turn to the impressions of gardeners, then the reviews of peat tablets for seedlings are positive if purchased from a trusted seller. The following are the pluses:

• less debris and dirt;
• no need to dive seedlings;
• there is no need to buy a separate primer.

No one sees any shortcomings. Unless you take the size of the hole for it. It is difficult to deepen the seeds into it for people with thick fingers. But summer residents have found a way out and use toothpicks.

You can grow any seedlings in peat tablets: tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, flowers (petunia is especially good).

How to usecoconut seedling tablets

Their fundamental difference from peat in the composition. They are 70 percent coco peat (fermented for several months) and the same shavings. The tablets are impregnated with a complex of minerals and trace elements.

Coconut seedling tablets should be used in the same way as peat tablets. In addition, they have a lot of positive qualities:

• antibacterial impregnation protects seedlings from infections;
• they freely pass air;
• retain moisture well;
• maintain a constant temperature.

Growing seedlings in cassettes

They stand between peat or coconut tablets and the same pots. The latter are inconvenient to transport. While the cassettes are very mobile, they can easily be moved or moved from place to place.

For peat tablets special container required. Here you do not need to search and select it.

In addition, cassettes can be different size. Therefore, for different plants you can choose the most suitable. To cassettes with the same cell size, you can grow different seedlings. It all depends on what size it should be when transplanting.

Use soil. But today, gardeners and just amateurs have found a worthy alternative to soil - coconut fiber. It has advantages and unique properties, which gives it an advantage over other biomaterials. It is made from coco substrate in briquettes, which contain crushed fibers of this plant.

Substrate and tablets for plants: description and composition

Coconut substrate consists of 70% coconut fiber and 30% coconut flakes. It takes about a year and a half to prepare a ready-to-use product. To begin with, the peel is crushed, then fermented, dried and pressed under pressure.

There are several types of finished product: in the form of tablets, briquettes, mats.

• Coconut substrate in briquettes looks like a brick and when soaked in water for several hours gives about 7-8 liters ready ground for application.
• Tablets are made in different diameters and placed in a fine mesh to avoid product spillage.
• The substrate is produced in the form of mats, which, when filled with water, increase in size up to 12 cm.

Since the substrate has a neutral reaction, it can be mixed with the soil without damaging its acidity. One of the positive properties of this product is that it does not cake. It contains quite a lot of air, this allows young plant roots to develop rapidly. Young seedlings grow and develop better in coco coir, but once they have gained strength, it is best to plant them in soil where there are more beneficial minerals to develop.

How coconut fibers affect plant development

Coconut soil has a beneficial effect on plant development. Here it is main advantages:

• Coco soil maintains optimal soil acidity (pH 5.0-6.5), which contributes to the growth and development of any plants, even the most capricious ones.
• Provides good conditions for growing high quality seedlings with healthy roots.
• Gives access to liquid with useful substances in the root system, and also creates excellent air exchange.
• The substrate is comfortable and easy to use. Unlike peat substrates, coconut substrates do not sag when waterlogged and do not form a crust.
• If transplantation is necessary, it is enough to simply transplant the seedling together with the container without removing it from the substrate. This guarantees that it will not be damaged. root system and the plant will take root 100%.

Application in the garden, vegetable garden and indoor floriculture

As mentioned above, the substrate is a universal remedy both in gardening and in indoor floriculture. Let's analyze each group in more detail. How coco seedling substrate behaves, how it is used for indoor plants and how it is applied to seedlings in the garden.

For seedlings in a greenhouse

There are several options for those who dream of a greenhouse or already own one.

1. Mini greenhouses. Coconut Seedling Tablets are sold already in the form of ready-made mini-greenhouses. They are designed in such a way that each container provides an ideal regime of moisture and ventilation. Such greenhouses do not take up much space and are very easy to operate.

To use them, it is necessary to fill the tray included in the package with water, wait until the tablets swell, and plant the cuttings or seeds, then close the lid. In this way it is ideal to prepare seedlings and flowers. You can use this greenhouse an unlimited number of times.
2. Greenhouses. If you are the owner of much large sizes, the use of coconut fiber for seedlings will greatly facilitate your work. The substrate can be mixed with soil for best results. This method of cultivation allows plant nutrition.

To improve the properties of earth mixtures used in, it is enough to add coco soil, and it will improve friability, permeability, moisture capacity (retains moisture even when completely dry). This will allow you to save water and reduce. For greenhouses, it is optimal to use a mixture of coconut fiber with earth, or use coconut mats containing a mixture of 50% coco peat and 50% coco chips.

Mats are easily placed on racks, they are covered with a special two-layer film that protects the biosoil from overheating. This allows the use of mats both in and in open ground.

Important! A mixture of cocopeat and cocochips does not require disinfection when used for the first time,and only as needed it needs to be disinfected.The substrate is usable for 3-5 years and is an economical option.

Effective use of coconut substrate in. It does not clog the solution supply system, does not accumulate heavy metals in itself, has aeration and always maintains its acidity neutral.

Did you know? Unused wet substrate should not be kept closed in a container or bag, otherwise it will turn sour. Dry it first(Ideally do this in direct sunlight), then just pack. For reuse, it is enough to moisten the soil again.

For vegetable crops in open ground

The substrate is also used for growing vegetable crops in open ground. Let's talk about coconut flakes, its benefits and harms.

For planting, grooves are made in the ground, where seeds are laid out and everything is sprinkled with coconut fiber. From this, the seeds germinate faster, warm up well and have enough moisture. Also, a crust does not appear above the soil, which allows the seedlings to breathe. Such a substrate will be ideal for adding to heavy clay soil.

Thanks to coconut fiber, seedlings germinate a couple of weeks faster than when planted in ordinary soil. This makes it possible to get more healthy and strong seedlings, and hence the harvest. There is practically no harm from coconut flakes. But if it is used in contaminated soil, it will spread disease to all plants and ruin the crop.

Important! Utilization of coco-soil occurs in the fields and gardens. It is an environmentally friendly product, you just need to plow a field or dig up a garden, and the used substrate will also serve you instead of fertilizer.

For ornamental crops

Coco soil is also suitable for growing ornamental crops ( and ), it is ideal as a soil conditioner. It is possible to use it as a . There are no harmful organisms in this biomaterial, this allows you to forget about the struggle for the purity of the soil and all kinds. Coconut substrate is biologically active, which contributes to its colonization with beneficial microflora and the protection of your ornamental crops from pathogenic microorganisms.

For indoor plants

Houseplants are very delicate, especially those with tubers. To get easy and useful soil for their growth and development, it is enough just to mix the substrate with coco-soil. At the same time, its concentration should be 1/3 of the main volume of the soil.

When growing seedlings, summer residents use peat pots. But, in recent times tablets made from pressed peat and coconut fiber appeared on sale. Some believe that they are much more effective, healthier and more durable than pots. What pills - coconut or peat better for seedlings? We suggest you find out the answer to this question from the article.

Coconut and peat seedling tablets

The difference between coconut and peat tablets

Peat tablets are a small container in the form of a cylinder without a bottom, which is made of high quality peat. Outside, to maintain its shape, it is covered with a special mesh material. Typically, tablets are produced from a substrate with different acidity (acidic, neutral) so that they can be used for growing seedlings of various crops. In their composition, such tablets have micronutrients that create good nutrition for seedlings when they begin to grow. The shell is treated with a fungicide, which has a positive effect on the development of seedlings. Due to their structure, the tablets do not interfere with the penetration of the roots and are easily decomposed during transplantation. They are produced in various diameters from 27 to 70 millimeters.

Coconut tablets are made from peat and coconut fiber. They have good breathability and, accordingly, are able to provide an ideal ratio of water and air. The principle of using coconut and peat tablets is the same and consists of several stages.

• Tablet preparation. Before use, they must be installed in a pan, deepening upwards and poured with warm water. After about 10-15 minutes, the tablets will swell and absorb moisture. Excess fluid from the pan must be drained.
• One grain of the cultivated culture is placed in tablets and covered with a small amount of humus. To ensure the greenhouse effect, the pallet is covered with glass or film.
• During the period of seedling growth, planting must be periodically ventilated. Before germination, tablets are moistened from a sprayer.

IMPORTANT! During the period of seedling germination, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the tablets. They should not be too wet or dry. AT open ground seedlings are transplanted together with tablets without removing the shell. Gradually it will dissolve into the ground. Some summer residents, when sowing, lay 2-3 seeds in one tablet. Then, after germination, one of the most healthy and strong sprouts is left.

When choosing tablets, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Structure. It should not be rough, since such tablets will have a weak air capacity, which will not have the best effect on the development of the root system.
• Acidity. For each culture, the acidity suitable for it is selected. When sowing in tablets of the wrong acidity, the death of seedlings can be caused.
• The size. Right choice tablet diameter. For smallish seedlings - small tablets, for rather big specimens - larger ones.
• Appearance. You should not buy tablets that do not have a shell. After the substrate swells, a shapeless pile of peat will remain from them.

Some note that the use of peat tablets is somewhat worse than coconut ones. The seeds in them germinate more slowly and the tablets may become covered with a layer of mold. Someone, on the contrary, denies coconut tablets, since they disintegrate when wet. Coconut tablets absorb moisture faster than peat tablets, and a crust does not form on the surface. In order not to be disappointed in the use of either one or the other pills, it is necessary to follow the rules for their use and when buying, give preference to a trusted manufacturer.

So, now you know which pills are coconut or peat. better for seedlings. We hope that you will be able to grow a healthy, strong seedlings, and subsequently get a good harvest.

See also video:

Coconut briquette is a substrate tightly pressed under strong pressure, which is finely chopped coconut peel fibers. This is a completely natural nutrient material that is used for growing various crops, seedlings and indoor flowers, and other garden plantings. One of modern species safe substrates sold at any gardening store.

The coke substrate is produced in various forms- bags, mats, briquettes of various sizes. Simply put, a coconut briquette is the most compact and very hard package of the same coconut fiber.

Coconut substrate is shredded and pressed coconut fiber

On a note! Coke substrate (or the so-called coco-soil) can also be used as a mulching material.

Compound

The coke briquette consists entirely of environmentally friendly natural material. This is a crushed coconut peel and villi that cover it. Raw materials undergo a fermentation process for 14-18 months, and then they are thoroughly dried and pressed under high pressure.

On a note! There are also coconut tablets, they contain not only coconut fibers and shavings, but also coconut peat. This is small sizes containers in the form of a cylinder.

Properties and advantages

The coconut fiber substrate has a lot of unique physiological properties, which are practically not lost even after the time of use.

1. The composition of the substrate is completely natural - it is organic in its pure form without the admixture of chemically active artificial substances.

   

2. The coke substrate perfectly absorbs large volumes of water and is able to retain it for a long time. Due to this, the frequency of watering can be reduced. The volume of the absorbed liquid exceeds the volume of the soil itself by 8-10 times. When the coco substrate is well hydrated, it changes color to dark brown. When dry, the fiber has a light hazel color.

   

   

   

Thanks to the use of coconut substrate for growing seedlings, due to its unique properties, it is possible to minimize the risks for future crops. Also, this material can be mixed with other types of soil, thereby improving their structure, increasing their fertility and turning even loam into a nutritious soil mixture. The efficiency of planting seeds and growing seedlings increases significantly.

Application

Coco coir can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on what you want to achieve. This soil is great for any plants, including ornamental ones. This is confirmed by numerous positive reviews from experienced and novice gardeners.

Table. Ways to use coconut briquette.

On a note! Interestingly, coconut fiber can even be used as bedding for pets in terrariums, cages, and aviaries. This material is hygienic and practical, it is also easy to use.

Step by step instructions for use

You can buy coconut briquettes for growing seedlings at any gardening store. However, they are of different production and quality. The main thing is to choose the right one for you. How to use this unusual briquette, which can easily turn into a substrate?

Step 1. Calculate your needs. Remember that when a 1 kg briquette swells, a lot of substrate is obtained - about 7-8 liters. Think about how much coco soil you need right now. Let's say you need all these 7-8 liters, then prepare a container of about 10 liters for soaking the briquette.

Step 2 Unpack the briquette and place it in a container, fill it with a small amount of warm water. After a while, if necessary, it can be divided into several pieces and placed in different containers.

Step 3 Fill the container with pieces of briquettes with water completely. If you do not need to divide it, you can immediately pour a full 10-liter container of water. The “brick” will soften completely in 15-30 minutes.

On a note! Rinse coke primer thoroughly with water before use. The fact is that it can contain an excess sea ​​salt(it is used in technological process during production), which will adversely affect the condition of plants. But these salts are easily washed out with water. To do this, the swollen substrate can be placed in a colander and rinsed.

Step 4 After washing the soil, put it to dry. This process takes approximately 2-3 weeks. During drying, periodically loosen the substrate. However, even at the end of the drying procedure, the soil will be slightly wet - this is normal and is due to its moisture capacity.

The result is a pleasant loose air structure, reminiscent of the color of high-moor peat. And it can already be used in accordance with your needs and wishes. Remember that seedlings can be planted both in a clean substrate, and in its mixture with garden or purchased land.

After the seedlings have been grown and planted in the ground, your coco substrate may be free, but do not rush to throw it away, because it can be reused. To do this, first place it in a container and fill it with an aqueous solution of an EM preparation that prevents the development of various harmful fungi (they could get into the substrate during use). Periodically moisturizing, let the substrate brew for about a month, after this disinfecting procedure, you can again use the coconut fiber obtained from the briquette.

It is also believed that on the basis of the substrate obtained from coconut briquettes, excellent soil can be prepared. To get 100 liters of soil mixture, you need a briquette of coconut fiber weighing 5 kg, 1 liter of liquid vermicompost and 25 liters of dry biohumus, as well as 23 liters of ordinary water. Liquid vermicompost is mixed in clean water, then a coconut briquette is placed there, which is preferably pressed down with something. The swelling soil is transferred to a clean container and then mixed with dry biohumus.

The resulting soil mixture can be used for seedlings or any horticultural needs associated with growing, transplanting plants. It will be very crumbly and airy, as well as enriched with nutrients and substances, the supply of which will last for several years in a row (about 5-6). If the excess soil is packed in bags and compressed, then it can be stored for a very long time.

How to choose a coco substrate?

The coke substrate can be sold both in briquettes and seedling cubes, mats, bags. When choosing the one that is right for you, focus on the purpose of the acquisition, brand awareness, the final amount of substrate, and other parameters.

For example, there are not only briquettes, which, when swollen, will give a large amount of substrate, but also small briquettes, packed and acting like. They are plates or cubes that, when moisture is added, swell and fill the mesh bag in which they are located. At the same time, they do not crumble, and seedlings and plants can be planted directly in them in special holes in the package.

Seedlings in coconut tablets

The use of peat and coconut tablets for growing indoor and outdoor seedlings garden plants(gloxinia, pelargonium, strawberry, etc.) in last years is becoming more and more popular. Although this convenient way sowing seeds is economically less profitable compared to the usual mass sowing in boxes, bowls and pots, but it has many clear advantages. These advantages become especially evident when the plants are simultaneously sown (from the same seeds) both in swollen tablets and in pots with a nutrient substrate.

The use of tablets is all the more relevant when, for some reason, we are late with crops at the recommended time. But at the same time, of course, we dream of getting flowering seedlings of our favorite plants as soon as possible! In such cases, peat and coconut tablets come to our aid, and the cost of their purchase becomes justified.

Of course, in peat and coconut tablets, you can germinate seeds of different sizes, successfully growing seedlings of plants of all kinds. But in this article I will focus on seedlings from very small seeds, because it is with her that flower growers often have problems - and rare not friendly shoots, and their defeat by the "black leg", and the difficulty of picking tiny seedlings. The use of tablets allows growers to avoid these problems and get more short time healthy quality seedlings.

About the speed of germination of small seeds in tablets

This year (2017) when growing seedlings, I used coconut tablets for sowing small seeds of lobelia, snapdragon and petunia.
On the same days, in February, I sowed some varieties of the same plants in pots. Therefore, now I can compare the germination rate of the same seeds - both in pots and in peat tablets.

As a result of this comparison, unambiguous conclusions arise.
Small seeds sown in swollen tablets germinate faster and more amicably, and seedlings develop much more actively than similar crops in pots with a substrate. This difference in germination and development of seedlings is so obvious that, in my opinion, the advantage of using tablets for accelerated seedling growth justifies the cost of their purchase. Moreover, it is quite possible to reuse the released tablets!

Last week, in mid-March, I already emptied the grown seedlings of petunias, lobelias and snapdragons from coconut tablets into pots. And the same plants sown in pots, which are significantly lagging behind them in development, will continue to grow there until picking for some time. I believe that the difference in picking dates between them will be about 10 days or a little more.

About buying small flower seeds: regular and in granules

At the same time, I want to touch on one more important nuance here related to growing seedlings from small seeds.

Seeds of especially valuable petunia hybrids are now, as a rule, sold enclosed in granules. Undoubtedly, it is much easier to sow less pelleted small seeds (and also dive seedlings later) than ordinary non-granulated ones.
However, if we take as a basis the fact that the germination of both seeds is approximately the same, granular seeds germinate much more slowly (important: the granules must be destroyed immediately after sowing so that there are no obstacles for seed germination). This fact must be taken into account when choosing seeds in the store and when developing a planting schedule.

Lobelia seeds are now also found granular. They are much more expensive than usual, and also germinate much more slowly. It is assumed that several lobelia seedlings should grow from one granule at once, which should then be swooped down in “bundles”.
But experience shows that the number of seedlings in the "heaps" resulting from the granules varies greatly, which then inevitably affects the heterogeneity of the grown seedlings. Therefore, I believe that the high cost of granulated lobelia seeds is not justified in any way. It is better to sow cheaper non-granulated seeds in tablets and quickly get friendly seedlings, and then dive the seedlings into “bunches” of the same size.

Sowing small seeds in coconut tablets

Pour the tablets installed in a low bowl with warm boiled water.
If desired, a growth stimulator can be added to the water to speed up seed germination.
After the tablets swell, I drain the excess water and prepare them for sowing.

I used coconut tablets for sowing small seeds. The swollen tablets are about 3 cm in diameter and about 4 cm high.

Before sowing small seeds into a swollen tablet, I first cut the mesh-shell in its upper part. It is necessary to cut the top of the mesh so that the contents of the tablet, after leveling the surface, are well fixed and do not fall out over the edge of the shell.

In the photo: coconut tablets are cut before sowing; lobelia seedlings

On the leveled wet surface of the tablet substrate, placed on a white saucer, I evenly sow small seeds from a hard paper bag with an evenly cut edge.
As a rule, small seeds of plants of many species are light-similar, i.e. they need light to germinate, so you don't need to sprinkle the crops. For better contact with the substrate, lightly press the seeds into it with a fingertip.

The seeds that accidentally fell past the tablet are clearly visible on the saucer - they are easy to collect and place on the substrate.
Some small seeds can fall on the side of the tablet shell, stick and then germinate there - it's okay, when picking, these seedlings will be pulled out and planted in pots.

After sowing, I place the seed tablets in transparent plastic boxes from under packaged products with closing lids. In the lids of the boxes, you can pre-make ventilation holes; and you can do without them - just loosely close the lids, leaving a gap for constant ventilation of the seedlings.

I use suitable (corresponding to the dimensions of swollen coconut tablets) square boxes with sides 13.5x13.5 cm, height 8 cm. accommodates 15 varieties.

To take into account the varieties of sown plants, you need to number the boxes with pills, and draw a diagram for each of them. And then, in accordance with the arrangement of the tablets during the sowing process, mark the names of the varieties on the diagram.

Care of seedlings in tablets and their picking

The care of seedlings developing in swollen tablets placed in plastic boxes is very simple. It consists:
- in the protection of seedlings from direct hot rays (on sunny days I curtain the window glass at the level of crops with a thin covering material);
- in highlighting seedlings in the morning, in the evening and on cloudy days, so that small plants are green and strong, do not stretch;
- in regular ventilation by opening the lid, so that the seedlings are accustomed to fresh air (during the ventilation, the condensate accumulated on the lid is shaken off - its drops flow back into the box);
- in rare wetting of tablets as moisture evaporates through the ventilation holes in the lid or through a crack from a loosely closed lid (I add water directly to the bottom of the box, which the drying tablets absorb).

Seedlings from small seeds develop rather slowly at first, but every day they grow faster and faster. Therefore, you need to prepare boxes or pots with a light substrate in advance for picking. So that by the time the seedlings have grown enough (do not let them grow, and their tops rest against the lid of the box), it would be possible to plant them in a timely manner.

For picking seedlings from small seeds, I prepare cups and other containers, filling them with a slightly moist, light, air- and water-permeable substrate (for example, you can add perlite, vermiculite, washed coarse sand, finely chopped dried sphagnum moss to the finished substrate).
I make holes in the substrate, in which the seedlings extracted from the tablets will be promptly planted.

If seedlings from small seeds have grown with sufficient light and regular access to fresh air, then they turn out to be quite strong and hardy - despite their apparent fragility.

Seedlings from small seeds grown in tablets are very convenient to dive. I take out a tablet with seedlings of each variety very carefully from the box - trying not to intertwine and pull out the seedlings from the removed tablet and from neighboring tablets.

In the photo: lobelia seedlings in a coconut tablet and after picking into a plastic cup

With my right hand, using a suitable thin tool with smooth edges (for example, one from a manicure set is suitable), I separate from total mass one or more seedlings located on the edge of the tablet.
With my left hand, I carefully grab and pull out the selected group of seedlings from the tablet. Wherein right hand I make sure to hold the neighboring seedlings so that they remain in their place.
I immediately place the pulled out seedlings in the prepared hole (I deepen them almost to the cotyledon leaves) and, raking the substrate to them from the edges of the hole, lightly squeeze it around the planted plants so that they are well fixed. Then immediately slightly moisten the substrate around the plantings.

Important: I do not water the small plants that have been picked in this way, but only lightly spray the substrate around them from the spray gun. For the first time, i.e. for the period of rooting of seedlings, such moisture is quite enough for them.

I put the cups with the seedlings planted in them in transparent lids from under the cakes, and I put the lids in large transparent plastic bags. I inflate bags in the form of a ball, tie them on top and put them on the kitchen floor, where the light from the window penetrates.
I regularly ventilate these "mini-greenhouses" so that the rooting plants can breathe fresh air. As they take root, you can make a vent hole in the bag for constant ventilation.

As soon as the development of the speared and rooted seedlings becomes noticeable, you can remove the cups with plants from the greenhouse and put them in a bright place (but keep them away from hot rays).

About pulling out and undermining seedlings when picking

Despite the seeming "bestiality" of such a rough method of extracting seedlings from a wet tablet, non-overgrown strong plants, when carefully pulled out and very quickly subsequent planting, do not receive any dangerous damage at all. Their small roots, on which particles of coconut substrate often remain, then take root without problems within a few days.

With careful work, with the acquisition of appropriate skills, such a pick is easy and successful. Soon, the planted seedlings begin to start growing.

By the way, I often pull out seedlings when picking from cups with a light substrate, if thick crops are obtained. This is especially true if very heterogeneous and unfriendly seedlings have occurred (i.e. some plants have already grown up and are ready for picking, and small undergrowth seedlings are still very close to them). So, with such a forced phased picking of seedlings, pulling out grown seedlings gives both these plants and their small neighbors much less anxiety than digging up roots.
Although when picking seedlings of plants of some species (gelenium, primrose, geyhera, coleus, etc.), you still have to dig in, because their seedlings have practically no stem: a rosette of leaves develops right at the soil level.

Re-inoculations in used tablets

Used tablets after removing small seedlings from them are practically not damaged, they remain intact. Therefore, it is quite possible to use them again - for new crops or for rooting cuttings.

Now, at the beginning of the third decade of March, small seeds of various plants can be sown superficially in used coconut or peat tablets: ageratum, mint, purslane, mesembryanthemum, alissum (lobularia), daisy, seaside cineraria, fragrant tobacco, monarda, brachicomas, etc.

I wish you successful sowing and picking!

Elena Yurievna Ziborova (Samara)
Gardenia.ru "Floriculture: Pleasure and Benefit"

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Coconut is one of the most common delicacies in our country. Studies have shown that exotic nut chips are not only tasty, but also carry a lot of useful properties. But is this true and who should not eat coconut?

How is coconut flaked made?

The question of the production of coconut flakes is of interest to many. But there is no secret in this, and the process of making this delicacy cannot be called complicated. Coconut flakes are made from the flesh of the coconut (the white inner part of the nut). To get the treasured pulp, the nut is divided into parts and, having received the basis for coconut flakes, is sent for processing.

The pulp is subjected to grinding (coarse, medium, fine). After grinding, the particles go through a drying stage until the moment of complete hardening.

The last stage of production is the passage of chips through a sieve, thanks to which the product is packaged in accordance with fine, medium or coarse grinding.

Useful properties of coconut flakes

Despite the fact that coconut flakes are processed and dried, it still retains all the benefits of coconut pulp. by the most useful properties coconut flakes can be noted:

Stabilizes bowel function

Coconut, due to its structure, perfectly cleanses the intestines and removes all toxins and waste from it.

· Strengthens the immune system

This delicacy is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Prevention of atherosclerosis

Coconut flakes, at the heart of their energy composition, are fats. But due to the absence of cholesterol in coconut pulp, coconut flakes are excellent for preventing atherosclerosis.

Stimulation of the nervous system

Due to the high content of nutrients, coconut improves concentration, memory, and also improves mood and relieves stress.

Has antiviral properties

Helps in the treatment of helminthiasis

Coconut flakes contain a lot of beneficial vitamins and micronutrients. These include: vitamins C, B, E, as well as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, potassium, manganese, fluorine and iron.

Also, the delicacy contains fiber, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and stabilizes the metabolism. Moreover, coconut flakes are great for vegetarians, as they do not contain components of animal origin and are rich in substances useful for the human body: glucose, fructose, sucrose.

What harm can coconut flakes do to human health?

Any useful product has a number of contraindications. But coconut flakes have only one minus - a possible allergic reaction. Such by-effect from consumption, inherent in all products of plant origin, but rarely occurs, solely due to individual intolerance. People who are allergic to coconuts should refrain from eating dried coconut flakes.

Also, coconut flakes are not recommended to be added to food for children under one year old, due to the high content of fats in it. As for the use of coconut flakes during weight loss, this should be done very carefully, because 100 grams of the product contains approximately 600 kilocalories. It can be concluded that coconut is a rather high-calorie product and its uncontrolled use can negatively affect the figure.

Coconut during pregnancy and lactation: good or bad?

Coconut flakes are a storehouse of nutrients and vitamins.

Coconut seedling tablets in Russia

If a woman does not have an individual intolerance to coconut fruits during pregnancy or lactation, then this product will only benefit the expectant mother.

During pregnancy, as well as during lactation, it is not only not prohibited, but it is also recommended to use the fruits of the coconut palm: coconuts, coconut oil and milk. Coconut is no exception, because it saturates the body and mother's breast milk with useful trace elements that help the child in early development.

But it should be noted that during breastfeeding, such a useful product should be consumed no more than 30 grams per day, so as not to cause an allergic reaction in the child. It is also recommended to monitor the body of the baby, and, noticing an allergy, immediately exclude coconut from the mother's diet, and also seek advice from a pediatrician.

How to choose the healthiest and tastiest coconut flakes?

The choice of coconut flakes must be approached wisely. Manufacturers often save on the production of a product, so you should pay attention to the following factors:

1. Type of grinding

2. Chip size

3. Quality mark

Coconut flakes exist in fine, medium and coarse grinding. The best - fine grinding chips. Manufacturers save on the product of medium and coarse grinding, and as a result, instead of tasty and melting chips on the tongue, you can get dry and tasteless dust.

It is necessary to pay attention to the size of the chips. Often this product is sold packaged in transparent bags, so it will not be difficult to estimate the size of the particles. Despite the fact that manufacturers indicate the type of grind on the packaging, they can still mix different types between themselves.

As for the quality, it is necessary to prefer, of course, the highest. Almost every manufacturer indicates its quality on the packaging of coconut flakes (fine - higher, medium - medium, coarse - low quality).

Coconut shavings at home

Of course, the modern market is teeming with various manufacturers of coconut flakes, but what could be tastier than homemade, self-made treats?

The preparation of homemade coconut flakes should be taken seriously, because tasty and fragrant flakes can only be obtained from fresh and good coconut. It is necessary to pay attention that there are no damages and mold on the coconut, the “eyes” of the nut are dry, when tapped the fruit gurgles and is not too light.

After acquiring a suitable nut, you can start cooking coconut flakes. This will require:

Break open the coconut and remove all the flesh from it;

The resulting coconut pulp should be washed in water and dried;

Pour 350 ml of boiling water over coconut dust and leave for 40 minutes;

· Lay the dried cake in a thin layer on a baking sheet and send for 1 hour in the oven at a temperature of 50 degrees. Door oven it is better to leave open and periodically mix the dust;

Remove from oven and let cool.

This is how you can quickly and easily prepare a healthy addition to meat, salad, baked goods and sweets.

In conclusion, it should be noted that coconut flakes are a tasty and healthy product that will decorate any dish.

Coconut substrate is still poorly distributed in Russia and neighboring countries, and there is a simple explanation for this: our gardeners are poorly informed about its advantages and merits, since coconut is not grown in Russia, therefore, it is used here much less often than in its habitat . The second reason for the low interest in such soil is the fact that, due to poor awareness, gardeners often simply do not know how to use it correctly, therefore, they make mistakes and, getting a negative result, stop using it altogether. Therefore, everything is to blame solely for the lack of information that this article will try to fill.

In order to grow various crops, two types of soil can be used:

• Organic, which is based on natural elements created by nature, such as coconut substrate, moss, bark, peat. All of them are harmless and environmentally friendly. They do not need to be disposed of in any way, as they decompose naturally over time;
• Mineral, which is made artificially, it contains chemical components such as expanded clay, mineral wool, volcanic rocks and many others.

Both of these types are used both as an independent soil, and as an addition to the main one.

Benefits of coco substrate

The soil based on coconut fiber has a number of advantages that distinguish it from other types of soil:

• The abundance of nutritional components contained in peat;
• Compactness, thanks to which it is easy to store and transport;
• Availability, because rare and expensive natural components are not involved in its production;
• The acidity level is 5.5-6.8, this indicator is considered neutral and will remain so throughout the life of the substrate;
• The consistency of the soil is loose, it has good absorbent properties. Due to this, the required level of soil moisture is maintained, aeration of plant roots occurs;
• The strength of the soil, it can be used for several years, it will not cake or compact, the structure of the material does not change over time;
• Organisms and bacteria harmful to plants and soil do not take root in it;
• High performance: according to the manufacturer's warranty, the substrate can be used for up to five years.

Material disadvantages

Despite the fact that coconut soil has a huge list of advantages, unfortunately, it is also not without disadvantages.

The main one is the fact that the coco substrate is very saline, due to the fact that the coconut tree itself loves saline soil, which causes a high percentage of chlorine, potassium and sodium to accumulate in the peel of its nut.

Some of them are washed out during processing, however, at the final stage, a sufficiently large amount of salts still remains in the structure of the material.

When choosing a soil, it is imperative to pay attention to its manufacturer: the quality of the material may differ markedly for different carriers.

Specify exactly how the fiber was processed: if it was washed with rainwater, the salinity index of such soil will be significantly lower. It will be good if the fibers were dried under the natural rays of the sun: this will preserve much more of their mechanical and physical characteristics. Machine drying, unfortunately, will not give the same effect.

If the purchased soil seems too salty to you, you can rinse it yourself with clean water at least three times. The temperature is +16 degrees.

Features of coconut soil

The material is produced in the form of briquettes, blocks, mats, or tablets.

The soil differs not only in shape and size, but also in structure. When it is processed, the fibers are washed, beaten until soft, then straightened and laid. In some cases, the fibers are further crushed. As a result, three different soil fractions come out of the coco: "chips", fiber and peat. The last of these is characterized by the ability to retain the largest amount of liquid, but it does not provide sufficient oxygen to the roots, so it is not used as the main soil and is usually added as an additional component to other garden soil.

Best of all, coconut soil is suitable for growing a variety of ornamental plants. In it, their root system will develop most actively without the threat of damage by diseases and microbes. As a result, the green mass of the flower is formed much faster and thicker.

What else is the material suitable for:

• Houseplants;
• garden flowers;
• Distillation flowers (such as rose, gerbera, chrysanthemum and others);
• Vegetables in a greenhouse;
• Strawberry.

Application area

Coconut soil is very favorable for seeds, germination of roots from leaves or cuttings, young seedlings. The material is rich in such components as potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen and many other elements useful for seedlings. However, coconut soil alone will not help provide seedlings with the necessary amount of nutrition, because. it is very slow in the process of absorption of trace elements and natural decomposition.

Therefore, in order to create plants favorable conditions growth, it is necessary to use coco substrate along with garden soil in a ratio of one to one, this will provide proper care and give the right amount of top dressing.

In its pure form, such peat can be used for plants like succulents or palms - they are less whimsical to growing conditions. Also, those crops that need to be fed exclusively with irrigation and in small quantities can grow in pure coconut soil.

How to use coconut seedling pills

If the plant is capricious and requires special conditions and constant fertilization, then the coconut substrate can be mixed with expanded clay, biohumus or simple peat.

The use of such soil on clay has a positive effect. The earth becomes moisture-intensive and loose, liquid is better retained in it, respectively, the frequency of irrigation and the flow of liquid decreases markedly, this is important in greenhouses or hotbeds.

Coconut substrate in greenhouses

In the greenhouse, you can lay 2 types of soil based on coconut fiber:

• Fiber peat and simple soil in a ratio of one to one;
• Peat and fiber chips in the same proportion. Such material is sold in the finished version in the format of mats.

The second type of substrate has a number of advantages: it does not need to be further disinfected, it can be used for several seasons in a row, while providing proper lighting it can be laid both inside the greenhouse and outside on level structures. If you carry out the correct disinfection of the soil, then you can also grow a ringworm or oyster mushroom on it.

Don't leave wet coco coir in closed bags or boxes: it will sour and spoil. If after garden work excess soil remains, they must be dried well in the sun, then packed and placed in a dry place. For later use, simply moisten it with liquid.

Bulbs and tubers can be stored and even germinated in unused coco substrate.

How to use coconut seedling tablets (application)

Trace elements: boron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, zinc, iron
Acidity (pH) of water extract 5.5 .. 6.0
Humidity no more than 65%

Application:

Natural nutrient soil for growing seedlings and plants of various vegetable, flower and ornamental crops at home and on household plots, in open and protected ground.

Before planting, the briquette-tablet is placed in a 0.8 liter pot with holes at the bottom.

The pots should be placed in pallets, gradually adding warm water (350-450 ml per 1 briquette) - bring it to full saturation by flooding.

Saturation can be carried out by watering from above onto the briquette.
Watering is carried out in 50-100 ml in 3-4 doses until the tablet is completely saturated.

Seeds are sown in loose, saturated soil, seedlings dive, seedlings or seedlings are planted.

quantities nutrients in a tablet is enough for the growth and development of plants for 20-25 days, then the plants are periodically fed with a solution of complex mineral fertilizer.

Package:

Briquette "Pill" in PVC film - 6 pieces;

Transport package:

• corrugated box measuring 580 x 380 x 150 mm, in a corrugated box 20 packs.
• corrugated box measuring 580 x 380 x 150 mm, in a corrugated box 124 tablets.

Growing beautiful seedlings of vegetable and flower crops is an exciting, important activity for individual gardeners, specialists in large greenhouses. To do this, someone is busy searching for "mole" land, independently forming the desired soil composition, and delivering finished soil. Nowadays, modern substrates are increasingly being used, which have effective properties that allow growing strong seedlings with a good root system.

What are coke tablets?

This is not just soil in bags, but convenient peat pots, tablets, liners of various sizes, etc. Among them, the coconut substrate has become a real leader. Modern technologies allow even geotextiles to be made from it. It is used, for example, to strengthen the coast garden pond, durable shelters near the trunks in the form of decorative mulch, nutritious inserts in hanging planters, nutritious beds for growing vegetables, and other elements.

coco substrate

The raw material for the manufacture of convenient tablets is coconut substrate. Its appearance is associated with the spread of the famous coconut palm or "tree of life", called in antiquity. All its parts are useful, used in modern production technologies. Back in the 90s of the last century, American specialists developed a technology for using coconut waste. It was based on the presence of a thick nutrient layer in the nut, called the mesocarp. Under natural conditions, the core of the future tree sprouts in it, receiving the necessary nutrition for several months before entering the ground. The fibrous properties of the mesocarp made it possible to obtain valuable coconut fiber from it, which is used in many industries. They learned how to prepare coco substrate from production waste. At the final technological stage of coconut fiber processing, the obtained fractions are sorted, mixed in the required proportions, and pressed. No chemicals are used in the manufacturing process of the substrate, which guarantees the creation of an environmentally friendly product.

Properties of coconut tablets

Valuable physical properties of the coconut substrate are high values ​​of moisture capacity, air permeability, which is considered an important factor in the creation of tablets. In the process of their manufacture, microelements and other useful components are added to the substrate. They create normal acidity, increase the nutritional quality of the soil. Durable, have good heat capacity, absorption capacity such coconut seedling tablets. How to use them for planting seeds is well described in the video:

Provide good air penetration, do not contain weed seeds, do not emit harmful substances. Germination of seeds in tablets is faster. At the same time, a powerful root system is actively formed. This is important for the subsequent development of seedlings in a permanent place. Usually, seedlings experience stress when planting in any type of soil, which stops the development of the plant in the initial period. This does not happen when transplanted with a tablet. 100% plant survival is observed. Tablets are ideal soil for all crops. In any soil, they completely decompose. There is no need to dispose of tablets. There is no need to pick plants.

Studies of the microbiological safety of the coconut substrate showed an insignificant content of mold fungi of the species Aspergillus, Penicillium. Compared to commonly used peat pots it is three times smaller. Moreover, their number does not increase after two months of using the tablets. This is very important for the subsequent healthy development of any plants without the use of the recommended chemicals. The increased value of salt, chlorine, associated with the characteristics of the growth of the coconut palm, is removed during the technological production of tablets.

Seedling tablets - how to use it correctly, simple tips

The quality of coconut tablets does not change for 5 years.

Coconut tablets are well saturated with air through their porous structure. With its deficiency, toxic compounds quickly accumulate in the soil, negatively affecting the composition of nutrients. This leads to a slowdown in the development of any plant. Unlike peat pellets, briquettes do not settle, they quickly absorb moisture without the formation of a surface crust. At the same time, there is no possibility of rotting of the root system of plants from excess moisture. The roots develop quickly, which ensures the appearance of the first crop two weeks earlier.

So, how to grow seedlings in coconut tablets?

Coconut substrate, prepared in the form of tablets, is recommended for growing vegetables, flowers, strawberries using low-volume technology. The main areas of application of tablets are agrotechnical methods of germinating seeds, growing seedlings, rooting cuttings. When they are carried out, the following operations are performed:

• selection of pots, cassettes for tablets. The main requirement for them is the size. The depth of the container should be 10 cm higher than the height of the tablets freely entering the pot;
• rinsing with running water. This is done to remove the remaining sea salt;
• at the bottom of the pots, the tablet is placed with a recess upwards. If it is absent, then it is done independently;
• pour a tablet with warm water at the rate of about 40 ml into each recess. After a few minutes, the tablets increase in size. If an excess of water is noticeable, then the tablet is slightly squeezed out without removing their pot;
• two seeds of plants prepared in advance for planting are placed in each recess.

  Close them with pieces of a tablet;

• cover all containers with a film to form a favorable climate for future shoots. It is necessary to carefully monitor the state of the tablet substrate. It is not allowed to dry out. A sign of a lack of moisture is considered to be squeezing the tablet, lagging behind the walls of the pots;
• transplanting plants to a permanent place.

This innovation has become a great gift for gardeners, now growing seedlings in coconut tablets at home is as easy as shelling pears!