Optimize Your Growth with Coco: Tips and Tricks
Growing in coco can be an extremely rewarding process, especially if you understand the unique characteristics of this medium. Here are some important tips and tricks to help you get the best out of your plants and ensure a successful grow.
Tip 1: Adjust watering according to the growth stage of the plant
When your plants are young, it’s important that the coco is allowed to dry out a little between waterings. This encourages the roots to spread and fill out the pot, strengthening the plant’s foundation. However, once the roots have filled the pot and the plants have grown larger, you need to pay attention to keeping the coco moist. Coco should not dry out too much at this stage as it can stunt growth and stress the plants.
Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to add nutrition
Coco is an inert medium, which means it contains no natural nutrients. Therefore, it’s crucial to apply nutrients from day 1 and continue to do so all the way through the growth cycle. Plants grown in coco have a higher demand for nutrients than those grown in soil, so don’t be afraid to use fertilizer regularly. It’s important to apply the right amount of nutrients with every watering to ensure healthy growth.
Tip 3: Understand the importance of Run Off
Run off refers to the amount of water that runs out of the bottom of the pot when you water your plants. This amount of water can be useful for monitoring the EC (electrical conductivity) levels in the coco, which helps ensure that your plants are receiving the right amount of nutrients.
Run Off – Is It Always Necessary?
It is not necessary to achieve run off every time you water. In fact, it can sometimes be helpful to water with clean water without nutrients to prevent EC levels from getting too high. This helps flush out excess salts and prevents nutrient build-up that can harm plants.
Tip 4: The solution to High EC levels
When measuring the EC level in the run off water, be aware that if it exceeds 4.0, it could be a sign that there are too many dissolved salts in the coco. In such cases, you should rinse with clean water 1-2 times to flush out excess salts. You can then resume feeding and measure the EC levels again. Ideally, the EC level should be between 2.0 to 3.0 to ensure healthy and balanced growth.
Conclusion
Growing in coco requires a bit more attention than traditional soil cultivation, but with the right approach it can yield impressive results. By adjusting watering, applying the right amount of nutrients, and monitoring run off, you can maximize your plant’s health and yield. Remember that coco is an excellent medium when used correctly – so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect balance for your plants.
