From February onwards, things will be busy on the windowsill as the cultivation of vegetables has begun. Coconut soil makes a valuable contribution to ensuring that seeds turn into magnificent plants. This guide explains in practical terms how you can prepare vegetables in coconut humus in an exemplary manner.
What types of vegetables can I grow in coconut soil?
Coconut soil is ideal for growing vegetables such as tomatoes, chili, peppers, cauliflower, cucumbers, pumpkin, kohlrabi, chard and melons. The loose structure and good water-holding ability promote he althy growth of the young plants.
Which types of vegetables are suitable?
Loose structure, good mold resistance and excellent water holding capacity make coconut soil the ideal sowing substrate for many types of vegetables. The peat-free natural product makes its many advantages available to those types of vegetables that are suitable for growing on the windowsill. The following table gives a representative overview of suitable and unsuitable types of vegetables for growing in coconut soil behind glass:
| Suitable species | Unsuitable species |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Radish |
| Chili, peppers | Carrots |
| Cauliflower | Beetroot |
| Cucumbers | Peas |
| Pumpkin | Beans |
| Kohlrabi | Leek |
| Chard | Chicory |
| melon | most root vegetables |
Sowing in coconut soil – short instructions for beginners
Specialist retailers offer practical swelling tablets (€12.00 at Amazon) especially for sowing in coconut soil. While it swells, an integrated, extremely fine net gives the coconut soil a stable pot shape. This ingenious trick saves vegetable seedlings from strenuous pricking. How to properly use coconut soil for sowing vegetable seeds:
- Waterproof seed tray with transparent lid thoroughly clean
- Place the desired number of coconut swelling tablets next to each other on the bottom of the bowl
- Pour hand-warm, soft water over it
- Let it soak for 5 minutes and pour off excess water
- Open the nets on the top a little bit
- Make a small depression in the coconut soil with a stick or spoon
Sow the vegetable seeds according to the instructions on the seed bag. Cover each seed with coconut soil, depending on whether it germinates in light or dark conditions. To ensure a good soil seal, press the substrate carefully. Place the transparent lid on the bowl. Keep the coconut spring pots constantly slightly moist in a bright, warm window seat. Ventilating the hood daily effectively prevents mold formation.
Tip
If you limit coconut soil to its function as sowing soil, you are missing out on the many benefits of the natural, environmentally friendly substrate. For houseplants, the risk of waterlogging is averted if the potting substrate is enriched with coconut soil. Allow the humus bricks to swell in fertilized water before mixing potting soil and coconut soil in a 1:1 ratio.
