Coconut Fiber

What is coconut fiber? AKA cococoir or coconut coir are simply the hulls/outside of coconuts. Coconuts are harvested every 60-90 days and the husks are then processed and packaged (often compressed) to be used for gardening, with pets, packing/shipping, making rope and even used in many outdoor mats.

Compressed fiber is NOT the same as coconut HUSKS. Coconut husks are what is used for doormats or planter liners. NOT good for a worm bin, it would take worms YEARS to break down that course material. The fiber is a material that closely resembles peat moss in appearance.

That is where the similarities end. Coco-fiber is ph neutral(in most cases) whereas peat moss is acidic. Coconut fiber is hydroponic (holds water) whereas peat moss is hydrolypic (leaches water). As you can imagine. I LOVE COCO-FIBER. Neutral and less watering, its a win/win for a worm farmer.

Here is a video of cococoir being rehydrated:

Because the coconuts are harvested so frequently, it is a renewable resource, unlike peat moss. As long as there are coconuts, there will be coir. In addition it is free of bacteria and harmful fungal spores often found in peat. Cococoir is usually ph neutral, making it an excellent bedding choice for worm bins. Another appealing feature of the fiber, is that it is hydroponic (it holds water) requiring less watering. My worms LOVE it and since I started using it to ship worms, I have had no worm losses during shipment.

The only disadvantage of using coconut husks is the expense. Due to high shipping fees from where they are harvested, the retail cost is significantly higher than peat moss. But in my opinion, it is a far superior product and worth every penny.

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