Grow Mediums Reusing coco and roots?

[Sour D]

Curious if anyone is/has added their roots to a coco mix and what the pros/cons might be?

 

[Death The Cultivator]

Curious if anyone is/has added their roots to a coco mix and what the pros/cons might be?

I reuse the coco in my vegetable garden with Growpito Beneficials. The roots break down while the new plants grow. I use very little Jack's hydro 20-20-20 maybe .7 EC worth. Breaks down over time though

I believe that the microbes in the coco breaks down the roots and distributes that to the new roots creating or maintaining a stronger microbiology. I've never understood why it's advised to be steamed and cleaned for reuse.

 

[Sour D]

I've seen where a number of outdoor growers will add the roots and stems back into their soil. I would think it would be good to use with the coco as well.
One issue I might see is will the roots maintain previous nutrients used and would that mess up how much to feed your plants(if that makes any sense)lol

 

[Death The Cultivator]

I've seen where a number of outdoor growers will add the roots and stems back into their soil. I would think it would be good to use with the coco as well.
One issue I might see is will the roots maintain previous nutrients used and would that mess up how much to feed your plants(if that makes any sense)lol

That's what the enzymes are for. It's especially not a problem if you do multi feeds at low feed concentration.

 

[Olderfart]

I pitch the big roots and stems, and don't worry about the fine roots. When I prep the coco for re-use, I will screen it coarsely and remove the larger clumps of fine roots if there are any, rinse the fines out, and re-buffer with Cal Mag. This is for coco used indoor only, and that has not developed any pest problems.

For outdoor used stuff, or indoor stuff that had gnats or the like, I would re-use in an outdoor grow only unless I sterilized it first.