Coco peat blocks must be re hydrated prior to use.
The simplest way to perform this on a large scale is to set block on plastic sheeting on benches or ground and irrigate with overhead sprinklers. The time needed to hydrate depends on volume of water applied. Each 4kg block can absorb more than 3 gallons of water.
It is not necessary to over saturate or leach E-Coco as it has a very low level of salts.
For most crops it is not necessary to alter the pH.
It is recommended to add Calcium sulfate (gypsum) to this product. This will provide Ca and S, two necessary nutrients. Rates vary but 2-4oz per 4kg block is a good starting point.
Adding gypsum can be skipped if your specific fertilization plan includes all nutrients in sufficient quantities.
E-Coco can hold more water and absorbs water faster than peat. this should be taken into account. This often translates into reduced irrigation times. Every situation is different and this an area that every grower should apply their knowledge of the optimum growing conditions of their crop.
Root growth is often more robust in E- Coco compared to peat this can cause displacement of media with roots. This is not a problem as it is good indication your crop is growing very well!
E- Coco is an excellent replacement for seed starting mixes. It is however required the use of a good quality balanced fertilizer available to the seeds as soon as they sprout.
