How to Get Started Growing in Coir Substrate

Throughout the globe, more and more growers are moving from in-ground crops to above-ground, soilless growing. With reduced disease, improved climate and crop control, smart monitoring, plus improved conditions for planting and picking – no wonder so many growers are making the switch! If you, like others, are considering getting started growing in coir substrate, we’re here to help.

Location Matters

Moving out of the ground and into coir mitigates a lot of risk and gives you greater control over the whole process, however it doesn’t take climate and location completely out of the equation. Understanding and assessing your local climate, land orientation, water quality and other relevant variables of your farm are crucial to your success. The conditions you currently work in change your setup in coir substrate, dictate your water needs and more.

Finding Your Coir Substrate Match

Not all coir substrate is made equal. To set yourself up for successful hydroponic farming, look for a high quality coir blend specific to your crop. Coir comes in different grades and arrives as washed/low EC or washed/buffered. Our Galuku coir is backed by science and 25 years experience, ensuring the perfect combination of moisture, nutrient and air allowing your plants and crops to flourish.

Infrastructure: The options for better control

When moving to above-ground growing, climate infrastructure should be a significant consideration and take into account project objectives and available budget. Protected cropping, such as tunnels or glasshouses, are a great solution for manipulation of climate in addition to other goals. For example, some protected cropping solutions can help to shorten the period from planting to harvest to achieve an earlier crop and improved produce pricing over field crops.

In addition to protected or field, you also need to consider whether you grow in pots or bags. Both are viable, and both production systems come with their own pros and cons. Really it comes down to budget and personal choice. Self-contained bags are often a lower cost and lower labour option and are most suitable for short-term crops. Pots are higher in cost price, plus have higher associated labour costs due to the need to fill, clean and re-fill them, but offer excellent drainage and longevity. Our technical team at Galuku can help advise you on the best choices for your farm, so book a consultation.

Irrigation and control systems

One of the main benefits of growing in coir is the level of control it affords, but with that control is also the need for consistent monitoring. To effectively manage your crop in coir substrate you need to monitor and control substrate moisture content, substrate pH and substrate EC.

It may sound hard work, but modern technology actually enables consistent monitoring in a centralised place, collating data and allowing for the analysis of all important trends. With the right technology, checks can be easily undertaken daily and in real-time, providing growers with the necessary feedback to adjust their crop inputs for maximum success. At Galuku we can help you select the right system to irrigate and fertigate your coir to help you succeed.

Timeline

Given the difference between in ground and in coir substrate, moving to substrate is not always an easy process, but it is worthwhile. Not only do you need to ascertain your infrastructure and coir needs, you need knowledge, skills and support to make the change happen. If you’re ready to move to coir, book a consultation now so we can help you put the right plan into place and get you your supplies on time.

Support

Although growing in coir substrate unlocks crop potential, it doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing from the moment you start. Partnering with the right suppliers and getting the right support is just as important for the success of your farm. At Galuku we believe that our work doesn’t end with product, but rather we see ourselves as partners in our customers’ success, working with you every step of the way. When you’re a Galuku customer you not only get high-quality coir, bags and pots, but receive ongoing technical support to help you reach your goals.