Coco Coir Vs Peat Moss: What’s The Difference?

Coco coir (AKA cocopeat, or coconut coir) and peat moss (AKA Sphagnum moss) both are popular growing mediums used in hydroponic systems. Both these planting mediums have their pros and cons in terms of drainage system, water and moisture retention, pH, cost, and sustainability. 
 
Selecting one medium over another might seem confusing for you as a gardener. These plant mediums are alternatives to the soil, and share many similarities and differences, and most importantly they both offer healthy growing conditions for varieties of plants. 
 
So which one should you choose between peat moss and coco coir? Today, in this comparative blog, we’ll discuss these two growing mediums in detail, their features and uses, benefits, drawbacks, and differences, and answer which one is ahead of the curve.  
 

What Is Coco Coir?

Coconut coir also known as coco coir or coco peat, is a natural fiber extracted from coconut husk. It is a natural byproduct of the coconut industry. In the USA, the lion’s share of this growing medium comes from South Asia, particularly from India and Sri Lanka. 
 
The making process of coco peat is simple. It involves extracting the fibers from the husk, washing them, and then curing and drying them. As it is made of organic matter, it’s considered sustainable for the environment. 
 
Coco peat is a renewable resource and a popular growing medium in hydroponic gardening and horticulture. It is highly known for its water retention, aeration, and ability to promote healthy root growth in plants.  
 

Features of Coconut Coir

Coco peat or coconut coir has some key features and uses that make it a popular alternative to traditional soil. 
 
Here are some of the basic features of coco peat: 

Water Retention: Coco Coir has a 40% water holding capacity. This water retention ability ensures a consistent moisture level for all plants as well as prevents overwatering. 

Aeration: It has an excellent air porosity that provides aeration in the soil. This helps prevent soil compaction and allows roots to receive sufficient oxygen. 

pH Neutral: Cocopeat has a neutral pH level of 5.7 to 6.5 which is neither too acidic nor too alkaline. That’s why you don’t need to add unnecessary limestone or oyster shells. 

Lightweight: Coconut coir is lightweight and fluffy. The lightweight growing medium is always the best option since it’s easy to handle and transport. 

Biodegradable: Coco coir is made of natural resources. So, it breaks down naturally over time which enriches the soil with organic matter as well. 

Long-Lasting: It has a lifespan of up to 4 years which is longer than some other planting mediums. 

Uses of Coco Coir

Coco peat is a versatile material with various uses.  
 
The most common use of it is as a soil amendment or standalone growing medium in gardening and horticulture. It is often used by gardeners to mix with soil which improves water retention. 
 
Besides, cocopeat is commonly used in hydroponic systems as a substrate for growing plants without soil. However, you can also use it when starting seeds. The fine texture of this growing media allows for excellent seed-to-mix contact that promotes germination. 
 
It can also help regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and retain moisture when used as mulch to cover the soil surface. Furthermore, Coco Coir mats and blankets can control soil erosion. 
 
Apart from greenery uses, you can use it for animal bedding, composting, and arts and crafts.  
 

What Is Peat Moss?

Peat moss is a type of organic material derived from partially decomposed plants, mainly mosses (A rootless and flowerless plant) from the genus Sphagnum. They accumulate in waterlogged conditions. 
 
It forms in peat bogs over thousands of years. Peat moss consists predominantly of sphagnum moss and other plant materials in various stages of decomposition. 
 
Most of the peat moss you see in the USA is imported from Canada. 
 
Just like coco coir, peat moss has an incredible ability to retain water. It also improves soil structure and aeration. However, there are some environmental issues associated with peat moss harvesting. Since it is extracted from fragile ecosystems, sustainable alternatives like coco peat are sometimes preferred.  
 

Features of Peat Moss

Your hydroponic and potted plants can benefit from several significant features of peat moss growing media. You can raise acid-loving plants using peat moss due to its slightly acidic pH level. 
 
Here are some worth-noting features of sphagnum peat moss:  

Acidic pH: Peat moss tends to be naturally acidic which has a pH level of 3.0 to 4.0.  Acid-loving plants like blueberries, Pieris, heathers, azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, tomatoes, and so on can grow well in this acidic condition. 

Water Retention: According to Dr. Michael R. Evans, Department of Horticulture, University of Arkansas, sphagnum moss has a total of 97% pore space and 60 to 68 percent water-holding capacity. This amazing water retention ability keeps the soil moist for plants. 

Aeration: Aeration allows better oxygen penetration to the roots. Peat moss enhances soil aeration by preventing soil compaction.  

Slow Decomposition: Peat moss can last longer as it decomposes very slowly. 

Microbial Activity: Peat moss grow media supports microbial activity in the soil by encouraging microorganisms. 

Soil Structure: You can improve soil structure by loosening dense or compacted soils using peat moss. 

Uses of Peat Moss

Peat moss has various uses in gardening and horticulture. 
 
You can use sphagnum peat moss as a soil amendment, or soil conditioner by mixing it with garden soil. It can enhance soil structure, aeration, water-holding capacity, and drainage. 
 
Besides, peat moss is commonly used as a component in seed-starting mixes due to its fine texture and ability to retain moisture. 
 
However, if you’re growing container plants, you can make the best soil for vegetable garden using peat moss as a potting mix. Moreover, using peat moss for garden bed amendments, mulching, and acid-loving plants are common practices. 
 

Coco Coir Vs. Peat Moss: Key Differences

Now that you know the basics about peat moss and coco coir, you must be ready to get into the main section – the differences. Since both growing media share many common features and characteristics, it might be confusing for newbie gardeners to distinguish these two mediums. 
 
We’ll compare these two planting mediums based on the following factors: 

1. Environmental Impact 
2. pH Level 
3. Water Retention Ability 
4. Nutrient Comparison 
5. Beneficial Microorganisms 

Environmental Impact

Both peat moss and coco coir are derived from natural sources. 
 
However, coco fiber or coco peat is considered a more environment-friendly option. 
 
Coco coir is derived from coconut husk fibers which is a natural byproduct. If you don’t utilize this waste material, it would otherwise be discarded. Besides, the happiest part is that coconut trees are not harmed during the coir extraction and recycling process. 
 
On the other hand, peat moss is harvested from peat bogs or swamps and marshes. It takes thousands of years to form through the decomposition of mosses and plant material. 
 
When it comes to extracting peat moss, it contributes to habitat destruction and the release of stored carbon dioxide.  
 
According to Oregon State University scientists, “harvesting peat moss contributes to climate change”. They also state that harvesting peat moss destroys a native habitat essential to the survival of birds, reptiles, insects, and small mammals. 
 

pH Level

Peat moss is acidic and has a low pH of 3.0 to 4.0, whereas coco peat is pH neutral with ranges between 5.7 and 6.5. Choosing peat moss is a smart decision if you would love to grow acid-loving plants.  
 
However, if the garden soil is alkaline, then using peat moss can benefit plants through its acidic pH. On the other hand, most plants, including vegetables, and exotic plants, grow perfectly fine when planted in coco coir. 
 

Water Retention Ability

Both peat moss and coco coir are admired for their water retention capacity. Peat moss and coco coir can absorb 10 to 20 times more water than their dry weight. 
 
To put it plainly, both coco coir and peat moss can be used to keep the soil consistently moist. Additionally, both mediums are highly aerated and can drain water well, which definitely stops conditions like waterlogging.  
 

Nutrient Comparison

When it comes to nutrients peat moss and coco coir have their own differences.  
 
For instance, in the case of pH level, peat moss is acidic while coco coir is neutral. If you would like to grow plants and vegetables that love less acidic conditions, you’ll need additives like limestones to reduce the acidity. 
 
Besides, gardeners also add NPK macronutrients – Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), to the soil to make it more nutritious. Though these are necessary for peat moss grow media, coco coir doesn’t need all these nutrients. 
 
Coco coir is naturally rich in Phosphorus and Potassium. However, it lacks nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium. Therefore, adding these will boost the nutrient level in the soil. 
 

Beneficial Microorganisms

Both peat moss and cocopeat can support the growth of beneficial microorganisms. 
 
Coco coir has a fibrous structure and natural anti-fungal properties that can discourage harmful pathogens while encouraging a healthy microbial community. Its neutral pH level also creates suitable conditions for a broad range of microorganisms. 
 
Peat moss also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil. Its acidic nature may attract certain acid-loving microorganisms. The best thing about peat moss is that it generally has some helpful living organisms in it when harvested. 

Peat Moss Vs Coco Coir: A Comparison Table

 
The following table compares coconut coir and peat moss as hydroponics mediums or planting mediums showing the main differences: 

 

 
Coconut Coir Vs Peat Moss: Advantage and Disadvantage

When it comes to comparing peat moss and coconut coir, both have many advantages and certain disadvantages as well.  
 

Advantages of Coconut Coir

1. Coconut Coir contains high amounts of lignin and cellulose that prevent decomposing and shrinking. For this reason, coir can hold more water than peat moss. 
2. As we’ve mentioned, coir has a pH range of 5.7 to 6.8 which is neutral. This allows you to grow varieties of plants without adding any additional limestone to adjust the acidity level. 
3. Coconut coir is a more sustainable resource than peat moss.  
4. Coir is sterile and less prone to containing bacterial and fungal spores compared to peat moss. 
5. Coconut coir is a popular growing medium for hydroponic gardening and is considered more versatile for various gardening applications. 
6. Coir can provide a supportive structure for plant roots and helps deter fungus gnats and certain diseases. 

Disadvantages of Coco Coir

1. Coco peat or coco coir can be at risk of contamination with animal manure since cows freely roam in India. 
2. The processing involves significant water usage, which can contribute to water pollution and raise environmental concerns. 
3. Large-scale coconut farming for coir production may lead to soil nutrient depletion (AKA soil degradation). 
4. According to research published in PubMed suggests that working in the coir industry may lead to respiratory diseases though it needs more solid evidence. 
5. Coir may require adjustments in fertilizers, especially reducing potassium levels and increasing nitrogen levels. 
6. Coir is more expensive in the United States than peat moss due to the shipping cost associated with importing it from South Asia. 

Advantages of Peat Moss

1. Peat moss or sphagnum moss can absorb up to 20 times its weight in water and release water slowly that make sure sustained moisture to plants. 
2. It has an acidic pH (3.0 to 4.0) that makes it beneficial for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. 
3. Peat moss effectively holds onto nutrients which prevents them from leaching out to the soil quickly. 
4. It promotes sufficient drainage.  
5. Peat moss is inexpensive.   

Disadvantages of Peat Moss

1. Peat moss is not considered environmentally friendly as it can take up to 25 years for peat bogs to renew after harvesting. 
2. Growing plants that want higher pH with peat moss may require additional garden lime to adjust pH. 
3. Peat moss can contain bacterial and fungal spores that may contaminate plants. 
4. Peat moss may attract snails which can be a nuisance to you. 
5. It has low nutritional content. That’s why it requires additional fertilizers for plant growth. 

Which One Is Better for Growing Mediums?

You’ve already learned the key difference between peat moss and coconut coir. Now the question that might arise is which growing medium you should use for your garden. 
 
Both peat moss and coco coir are suitable for modern gardens. There are no winners here. However, Coco Coir is ahead of the competition in terms of sustainability. 
 
Another benefit of coir is that it has a balanced pH which is neither too acidic nor too alkaline. This also makes it suitable for diverse plants. 
 
On the other hand, according to many ecologists, peat moss isn’t considered environmentally friendly. Besides, though it is suitable for acid-loving plants, you may need to make adjustments for plants that want a higher pH. 
 
However, it is important to remember that both these planting mediums are great for growing plants whether as standalone soil substitutes or mixing with traditional soil. In essence, choosing between these two mediums is a matter of personal preference. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some relevant questions and answers related to coconut coir and peat moss. 
 

Can I Mix Coconut Coir and Peat Moss?

Yes, you can mix coco coir and peat moss as a growing medium. Combining these two can add great benefits to soil. Both have incredible water retention capacity, good drainage, and aeration. The common ratio for mixing coco coir and peat moss is 1:1 or adjusting is based on specific plant requirements. You can also add perlite or vermiculite to the mix to further improve aeration and drainage. 

Is Sphagnum Peat Moss Acidic or Alkaline?

Peat moss is acidic. It is often used to reduce pH levels in alkaline soil. If a soil test indicates that your soil is too alkaline or has a higher pH, adding some peat moss can get it down.  

What Types of Plants Like Peat Moss?

Not all types of plants like peat moss growing medium. However, you can still grow a variety of plant types using peat moss. For instance, peat moss can create perfect growing conditions that replicate an original tropical forest. As a result, tropical plants like Pothos, Anthurium, Pachira, and Ficus can be grown in this medium. Besides, you can also raise acid-loving plants such as tomatoes, blueberries, Pieris, heathers, camellias, azaleas, and so on. Certain houseplants, fat plants (e.g., Aeonium, Pachypodium, Aloes), and shrubs or woody plants also grow well in peat moss.  

Is Coco Peat the Same as Coco Coir?

Coconut coir or coco coir is also known as coco peat. It’s a natural byproduct harvested from coconuts. It’s environmentally friendly and creates perfect growing conditions by providing excellent water retention, drainage, and aeration.  

What Is The Difference in Price Between Peat Moss and Coco Coir?

Peat moss is less expensive compared to coco coir. You can purchase 2 cu. Ft peat moss for $20 to $30. On the other hand, the coconut coir price is a little bit higher and may cost between $30 to $40. However, the price may vary depending on the quality, availability, and location. 

Can I Use Coco Coir for Starting Seed?

Yes, you can plant seeds in coco coir. There are plenty of benefits of sprouting seeds in coir including the fact that it is eco-friendly and renewable. Besides, you can also use the best materials for starting seeds by mixing a balanced ratio of peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, mycorrhizae (to promote root growth), coco coir, and compost (feed seedlings).   
 

The Bottom Line

Dear gardeners, hope you’re now ready to pick your favorite growing medium. No matter which one you choose between peat moss and coco coir, the most important thing is to understand what your plants need. Apart from water retention, drainage, aeration, nutrients, and pH level, you should also be mindful of environmental issues while selecting a suitable growing medium for your garden.