Using Coco Coir in a Vivosun Stackable Planter: Easy Tips

Discover the magic of using coco coir in a Vivosun stackable planter! Our guide makes it easy and fun to grow lush plants in a space-saving, eco-friendly way.

Ever thought of using coco coir in a Vivosun stackable planter? It’s a game-changer for indoor gardeners!

This combo brings together the efficiency of vertical gardening with the sustainability of coco coir, offering a simple, yet innovative way to green up your space.

Dive into our tips to get started on this exciting gardening adventure!

Using Coco Coir in a Vivosun Stackable Planter

Discover the perfect combination for your indoor garden: the Vivosun Stackable Planter and Coco Coir.

This guide walks you through setting up your stackable planter and preparing coco coir bricks, offering a sustainable and efficient way to grow strawberries, herbs, or flowers in a space-saving design.

Unboxing the Vivosun Stackable Planter

 

Overview of the Planter

The Vivosun Stackable Planter is an innovative solution for gardeners looking to maximize their growing space vertically.

This planter features five tiers, making it perfect for a variety of plants, from strawberries and herbs to flowers and small vegetables. Its vertical design is not only space-efficient but also adds an aesthetic appeal to any indoor or outdoor gardening space.

The stackable nature of the planter allows for easy assembly and flexibility in arranging your plants.

Components Included

Inside the box, you’ll find everything needed to set up your stackable garden.

The package includes a sturdy bottom tray, which serves as the foundation of the setup.

This tray ensures any excess water is caught, preventing messes. Along with the physical components, there are clear instructions to guide you through the assembly process.

A durable chain is also provided, giving you the option to hang the planter.

This adds versatility to the planter’s placement, allowing you to create hanging gardens in spaces where floor space is limited.

Assembly Tips

Assembling the Vivosun Stackable Planter is straightforward. Start by placing each tier on top of the bottom tray, ensuring they align correctly for stability.

Note how each tier is offset 180 degrees from the next tier.

Don’t forget to add the insert grate to each pot.

Each section is designed to fit snugly onto the one below it, minimizing any wobble and creating a secure tower of greenery.

For those looking to add extra stability, especially in windy conditions or in busy areas, the central hole through the planter tiers presents an option to insert a rod.

This rod can act as a spine for the entire setup, locking the tiers together firmly.

Although not always necessary, this added security can be beneficial for taller installations or when using heavier soil mixes.

By following these simple steps, you’ll have your Vivosun Stackable Planter assembled and ready for planting.

Its design not only saves space but also allows for an efficient watering system, where water from the top tier trickles down to the lower ones, ensuring even moisture distribution.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the hobby, this stackable planter is a fantastic addition to your gardening arsenal, promising a unique and productive growing experience.

Embracing Sustainability with Coco Coir

Coco coir, derived from the fibrous husks of coconuts, is celebrated for its eco-friendliness.

This sustainable medium is a byproduct of the coconut industry, offering an effective way to utilize waste materials.

Unlike peat moss, which has a significant environmental impact due to its slow renewal rate, coco coir is readily available and eco-conscious.

It promotes sustainable gardening by reducing waste and avoiding the depletion of natural resources.

Its excellent moisture retention, alongside superior drainage and aeration capabilities, makes coco coir a versatile choice for various gardening applications, from herbs to vegetables and ornamentals.

I use Canna Coco Coir bricks and in my opinion, it is the best.

Pest Management: A Natural Solution

The use of coco coir, especially in its brick form, plays a crucial role in preventing garden pest infestations.

Its dry, processed state makes it an inhospitable environment for pests such as fungus gnats, which thrive in moist conditions.

This natural resistance to pests reduces the need for chemical pesticides, leading to a healthier garden and environment.

Gardeners can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their plants are less likely to suffer from the common ailments that plague soil-based mediums.

Optimal Nutrient Management

Coco coir’s distinct advantage in nutrient retention requires attention to supplementation, particularly with calcium and magnesium.

This adjustment is necessary due to Coco Coir’s natural inclination to absorb potassium, potentially causing an imbalance in essential nutrients.

Supplementing with calcium and magnesium ensures that plants receive a well-rounded diet, crucial for their development and health.

This proactive nutrient management allows gardeners to tailor their feeding regimes to meet the specific needs of their plants, mimicking natural soil conditions but with enhanced control over nutrient availability.

Filling the Planter with Coco Coir

Layering the Coir

• Preparation: Start by hydrating your coco coir bricks according to the instructions. Once expanded and moist, it’s ready to use.
• Filling the Tiers: Begin with the bottom tier on a stable surface. Fill each tier evenly with the prepared coco coir, leaving enough room for root growth and water drainage.
• Consistent Moisture: As you fill, lightly water the coir to ensure it’s uniformly moist. This step helps in settling the coir and preparing it for planting.

Ensuring Stability

• Weight Distribution: Ensure that each tier is filled to a similar level to maintain balance. The weight of the coir and plants will help stabilize the planter.
• Secure Placement: When stacking the tiers, check that each one aligns and sits snugly on the one below. Misalignment can lead to instability.
• Optional Reinforcement: For extra stability, consider running a support rod through the center hole of the stackable planter, especially if you’re placing it in a windy area or where it might be bumped.

Final Assembly

• Stacking the Tiers: Carefully place each filled tier on top of the other, starting from the bottom up. Ensure each tier fits securely into the grooves or notches designed to hold them together.
• Top Layer: The top tier should be filled last and can include plants that require the most light or have the least spreading root system.
• Checking Stability: Once assembled, gently press down on the top tier to ensure the stack is firm and there are no loose parts.

By following these steps, you’ll have a fully assembled Vivosun Stackable Planter filled with nutrient-rich coco coir, ready for planting.

This setup not only maximizes your gardening space but also provides an ideal environment for your plants to thrive, combining the benefits of vertical gardening with the sustainability of coco coir.

Planting and Maintenance

Choosing Plants

• Suitable Selections: Opt for plants that thrive in coco coir’s conditions, such as strawberries, a variety of flowers, herbs, and small vegetables. Consider the planter’s vertical space and sunlight exposure when selecting your plants.
• Plant Compatibility: Strawberries are ideal for their shallow root systems. Herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro, and flowers that don’t require deep rooting space, will also flourish.
• Growth Requirements: Ensure the chosen plants have similar water and light needs for cohesive growth. This simplifies care and maximizes the health of all plants in the planter.

Seascape Day Neutral Strawberries

I am growing Seascape strawberries. They are a day-neutral variety which means they will crop continually regardless of season. I don’t want single-crop June June-bearing strawberries indoors.

Watering Tips

• Top-Down Watering: Begin watering at the top tier to take advantage of gravity, which helps distribute moisture evenly through the tiers. This method ensures that all plants receive adequate hydration.
• Monitoring Moisture: Coco coir retains moisture well but also allows for good drainage, reducing the risk of overwatering. Check the coir’s moisture level before watering to avoid saturation.
• Consistent Schedule: Establish a regular watering schedule based on the needs of your plants and the environmental conditions. Coco coir’s aeration properties may require adjusting watering frequency compared to traditional soil.

Ongoing Care

• Nutrient Monitoring: Since coco coir has a neutral pH and lacks nutrients, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer is crucial. Tailor your nutrient mix to include essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
• Replenishing Nutrients: Supplement with calcium and magnesium more frequently, as coco coir tends to need these nutrients. Use a coco-specific fertilizer or adjust your nutrient solution accordingly.
• Plant Health Checks: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies or pest issues. Early detection allows for quicker remedies, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and healthy.

By adhering to these guidelines for planting and maintenance, your Vivosun Stackable Planter filled with coco coir will become a thriving, productive garden.

Whether you’re cultivating aromatic herbs, luscious strawberries, or beautiful flowers, understanding the needs of your plants and the characteristics of coco coir will lead to a rewarding gardening experience.

Real-Life Success: Strawberries Thrive in Coco Coir

Howdy, gardeners! Let me share my experience with the Vivosun stackable planter filled with coco coir.

Just days after planting strawberry seedlings, I’ve seen a significant green-up.

Although it’s a bit tricky to ensure all plants receive equal light, rotating the planter does the trick.

Each tier houses a plant, promising a lush outcome for my strawberry endeavor right here in my apartment kitchen garden.

Besides strawberries, my kitchen garden hosts tomatoes, sweet potatoes, a rejuvenated pepper plant, and an ambitious dragon fruit plant awaiting a trellis setup.

An interesting observation is my clementine orange plant, which might soon blossom.

Previously, I had a DIY tower, but over time, plants aged, and berry production waned.

Opting for a fresh start with the Vivosun planter and coco coir, I’m optimistic about a fruitful harvest.

I’ve even kept extra plants on standby, ensuring a full, vibrant display.

Whether you’re planting strawberries or exploring other green ventures, this combination promises a rewarding and enjoyable indoor gardening journey, filled with lush growth and vibrant blooms.

These hands-on updates serve as a testament to the promising combination of using coco coir in a Vivosun stackable planter, highlighting its potential for a variety of plants.

I’m excited to witness the growth and will surely keep you posted. Until then, keep it green and consider giving this setup a try for your own garden.

Conclusion

Combining the Vivosun Stackable Planter with coco coir offers a harmonious blend of space efficiency, sustainability, and the pure delight of nurturing your own plants.

This setup not only maximizes vertical space but also leverages the eco-friendly and root-friendly properties of coco coir, ensuring your plants thrive in a nutrient-rich, well-aerated environment.

It’s an ideal solution for gardeners looking to make the most out of limited spaces while contributing positively to the environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, this combination promises a rewarding and enjoyable indoor gardening journey, filled with lush growth and vibrant blooms.