Cocopeat

How to Reduce High EC Cocopeat to Low EC for Nursery Use

By sehpaathi On May 24, 2025 0 Comments

How to Reduce High EC Cocopeat to Low EC for Nursery Use

Introduction
Cocopeat, a byproduct of coconut husk processing, is a favored medium in nurseries and horticulture for its exceptional water retention and aeration properties. However, raw cocopeat often comes with a high Electrical Conductivity (EC) due to the presence of natural salts and minerals. High EC cocopeat is unsuitable for seed germination and sensitive plants, as it can lead to salt stress and hinder plant growth.

Reducing the EC level is crucial before using cocopeat in nurseries. This article provides a step-by-step guide to convert high EC cocopeat into low EC cocopeat, ideal for healthy root development and seedling success.

What Is EC in Cocopeat?

Electrical Conductivity (EC) measures the concentration of soluble salts in a substance. In cocopeat, high EC typically results from:

Natural sea salt absorbed by the coconut husk (especially in coastal regions)
Poor washing or treatment during processing

Ideal EC Levels:

Low EC Cocopeat: < 0.5 mS/cm (ideal for seedlings and most plants)
High EC Cocopeat: > 1 mS/cm (can cause salt stress)

Why Reducing EC Matters

High EC cocopeat can lead to:

Poor seed germination
Nutrient imbalance
Wilting or stunted growth
Root burn due to salt accumulation

Hence, reducing EC is vital for nurseries and hydroponic applications.

Step-by-Step Process to Reduce EC in Cocopeat

Materials Needed

High EC cocopeat (blocks, bricks, or loose)
Large water containers or tanks
Clean, fresh water (ideally rainwater or RO water)
EC meter (digital conductivity tester)
Mesh or cloth for straining
Drying area (shade or sunlight depending on conditions)

Step 1: Expand the Cocopeat

If using compressed cocopeat blocks:

Place the block in a large container.
Add 5–7 liters of water per kg of block.
Allow it to absorb water and expand fully.
Fluff it by hand to break down chunks.

Step 2: First Wash

Pour clean water over the expanded cocopeat.
Stir or mix thoroughly.
Let it sit for 2–4 hours.
Drain the water using a mesh or sieve.
- This water will appear brown and murky due to tannins and salts.

Step 3: Multiple Washings

Repeat the wash-drain cycle 3 to 5 times.
Each time, use fresh water.
Continue this process until the drained water appears clearer.

Step 4: Soaking for Leaching

Soak the cocopeat in fresh water for 24–48 hours.
Stir occasionally to enhance salt leaching.
Drain completely after soaking.
- For better results, use warm water (30–40°C), which improves salt solubility.

Step 5: Measure EC

Take a sample of drained water from the last soak.
Use an EC meter to test the electrical conductivity.
If the reading is:
- > 0.6 mS/cm – repeat washing/soaking
- ≤ 0.5 mS/cm – ready for nursery use

Step 6: Drying the Cocopeat (Optional)

If not using immediately, dry the washed cocopeat under shade or sunlight.
Store in a clean, dry container or bag.

Additional Tips

Use rainwater or reverse osmosis (RO) water if your tap water is hard or has high EC.
Some growers add a mild vinegar or citric acid solution (pH ~5.5) to help in leaching salts faster.
Avoid over-drying if you plan to use it soon—maintain slight moisture for easy rehydration.

Final Thoughts

Converting high EC cocopeat to low EC is not just a preparatory step—it’s essential for plant health and productivity. Properly washed and leached cocopeat ensures optimal nutrient uptake, robust root growth, and a thriving nursery environment.

By following this detailed method, growers can confidently use cocopeat in their nurseries, knowing it will support healthy and sustainable plant development.

Cocopeat

Cocopeat – A Sustainable Growing Medium

By sehpaathi On May 24, 2025 0 Comments

Cocopeat – A Sustainable Growing Medium

Introduction
Cocopeat, also known as coir pith or coir dust, is a natural byproduct of coconut husk processing. Widely used in nurseries and horticulture, cocopeat is prized for its excellent water retention, aeration, and environmentally friendly properties.

How Cocopeat Is Made
Cocopeat is extracted from the fibrous husk of coconuts. The process involves:

Collection: Husk is soaked in water to soften.
Defibering: Fibers are separated, and the remaining pith is collected.
Washing and Drying: The pith is thoroughly washed to reduce salt content, then sun or mechanically dried.
Sieving and Compression: Dried material is sieved to remove fine particles and then compressed into blocks or briquettes.

Why Cocopeat Is Used in Nurseries

Water Retention: Holds up to 8–10 times its weight in water.
Aeration: Provides optimal root ventilation.
Sterile Medium: Free from pathogens and weeds.
Eco-Friendly: A renewable, biodegradable resource.
Neutral pH: Generally between 5.5 to 6.5, ideal for most plants.

Advantages of Cocopeat

Sustainable and biodegradable
Excellent moisture retention and aeration
Enhances seed germination and root development
Lightweight and easy to handle
Compatible with a wide range of plants and hydroponic systems

Low EC vs High EC Cocopeat

EC (Electrical Conductivity) measures salt levels in cocopeat.
Low EC (<0.5 mS/cm): Ideal for seedlings and sensitive plants.
High EC (>1 mS/cm): May harm young plants due to salt stress.

How to Reduce EC in Cocopeat
To make high EC cocopeat suitable for nurseries:

Soak in Fresh Water: Soak the cocopeat in clean water for 24–48 hours.
Rinse Thoroughly: Repeatedly wash and drain to leach excess salts.
Test EC: Use a digital EC meter until desired levels are achieved.

Conclusion
Cocopeat is a versatile, sustainable, and efficient growing medium, especially suitable for nursery applications. Understanding EC levels and proper preparation ensures optimal plant growth and healthier nurseries.

organic fertilizer

Sudisha 30X – The Ultimate Organic Fertilizer for Urban Gardeners

By sehpaathi On May 13, 2025 0 Comments

🌱 Sudisha 30X – The Ultimate Organic Fertilizer for Urban Gardeners

“One spoon a month. Thirty days of growth. Zero guilt.”

🌿 Introduction

In an age where urban gardening is on the rise and chemical-free food is no longer a luxury but a necessity, Sudisha 30X™ emerges as a game-changing organic fertilizer for home gardeners.

Packed with balanced nutrients, natural ingredients, and eco-friendly intent, this compact fertilizer delivers huge results in small doses — making it ideal for balcony gardens, kitchen herb pots, and terrace farms.

Whether you’re growing leafy greens, tomatoes, herbs, or flowering plants, Sudisha 30X offers a simple, sustainable, and powerful solution.

🧪 What is Sudisha 30X?

Sudisha 30X™ is a concentrated, slow-release organic-mineral fertilizer blend designed specifically for container and pot gardening. It combines:

Premium Vermicompost
Balanced nutrients
Calcium Nitrate for stronger cell walls
Natural micronutrients from banana peel powder, seaweed, and wood ash
Neem cake and humic acid to protect roots and enhance nutrient uptake

✅ 100% free from harmful chemicals
✅ Safe for kids, pets, and pollinators
✅ Effective for 30 pots with just 250g

🌾 Why It Works So Well

Unlike chemical fertilizers that give plants a quick push and then fade, Sudisha 30X™ is designed for sustained growth. Here’s why it stands out:

✔ Balanced Nutrition

Every 8–9g scoop delivers a complete profile of essential nutrients including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, and trace minerals — enough to keep your plant thriving for 30 days.

✔ Root Health & Soil Activation

The humic substances and neem cake not only feed plants but also stimulate microbial life in the soil, improving root absorption and disease resistance.

✔ Eco-Friendly Packaging

Made using biodegradable kraft pouches, Sudisha 30X is aligned with sustainable packaging standards — reducing your plastic footprint.

🌍 Environmental & Eco-Health Benefits

♻️ 1. Chemical-Free Cultivation

Sudisha 30X™ avoids synthetic pesticides or harsh salts, keeping your soil biology intact and protecting groundwater from chemical leaching.

🐝 2. Pollinator Safe

Unlike many synthetic fertilizers that affect bees and butterflies, Sudisha 30X™ is non-toxic to pollinators, promoting a thriving mini-ecosystem in your garden.

🌾 3. Supports Soil Regeneration

Using compost, humates, and neem, the fertilizer gradually rebuilds soil structure — especially in tired potting mixes.

💧 4. Reduces Water Waste

Healthy roots and humic content mean better moisture retention, so you water less and grow more.

🌟 Real Benefits You’ll See

🍅 Bigger, juicier tomatoes
🥬 Greener, fuller spinach & herbs
🌸 More flowers, better fruit set
🪴 Less pest problems
🧴 No chemical smell or residue

📦 Packaging & Usage

Available Sizes: 250g (feeds 30 pots) & 500gms (feeds 60 pots)
Available variations: With Vermicompost (upto 750gms)
Application:
→ Use 1 small spoon (~8g) per 10-inch pot every 30 days
→ Mix lightly into the topsoil and water

organic fertilizer

Jeevamrut: A Natural Elixir for Soil Fertility

By sehpaathi On May 3, 2025 0 Comments

Jeevamrut is a powerful, traditional bio-fertilizer used in organic farming, particularly in India. It is a fermented microbial culture that significantly enhances soil fertility and plant growth. Made from readily available natural ingredients—cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, buttermilk, and garden soil—Jeevamrut serves as a potent soil conditioner and microbial booster.

Ingredients and Their Role:

Cow dung – A rich source of beneficial microbes, enzymes, and organic matter.
Cow urine – Contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; also acts as a natural pesticide.
Jaggery (gur) – Serves as a food source for microbial growth during fermentation.
Buttermilk – Adds lactic acid bacteria which help decompose organic matter and fight harmful pathogens.
Garden soil – Introduces native microorganisms to further enrich microbial diversity.

Preparation:

All ingredients are mixed in a large earthen or plastic container with water and left to ferment for about 5–7 days, stirring daily. After fermentation, the solution becomes teeming with beneficial microbes that help break down organic matter in the soil, making nutrients more available to plants.

Benefits:

Improves soil structure and fertility
Enhances microbial activity in the rhizosphere
Promotes healthy root and plant growth
Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers
Cost-effective and environmentally friendly

Jeevamrut exemplifies the wisdom of traditional agriculture by using farm waste to create a sustainable, closed-loop farming system.

organic fertilizer

Jeevamrit: The Elixir of Organic Farming in India

By sehpaathi On April 16, 2025 0 Comments

Jeevamrit: The Elixir of Organic Farming in India

What is Jeevamrit?

In the world of sustainable agriculture, Jeevamrit stands out as a powerful, indigenous bio-fertilizer that rejuvenates soil health and promotes natural plant growth. Developed and popularized by Padma Shri Subhash Palekar, Jeevamrit is a cornerstone of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and is widely used by organic farmers across India. The word “Jeevamrit” literally means “nectar of life,” and rightly so—it brings microbial life back to the soil, making it a living ecosystem.

Why Organic Farming is Important

1. Healthier Food for Consumers
Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This means the food produced is free from harmful chemical residues, making it safer and healthier for consumers in the long run.

2. Soil Health and Fertility
Organic farming practices like crop rotation, composting, and use of bio-fertilizers (e.g., Jeevamrit, Vermicompost) restore and maintain soil fertility. They enhance microbial activity and prevent soil degradation, making the soil alive and productive for future generations.

3. Environmental Sustainability
By avoiding chemical runoff, organic farming protects water bodies and reduces pollution. It also helps in preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Climate Resilience
Organic soils are richer in organic matter and better at retaining moisture, which makes crops more resilient to droughts and extreme weather—critical in the face of climate change.

5. Reducing Farmers’ Dependency on External Inputs
Organic farming uses locally available resources such as cow dung, cow urine, and crop residues. This reduces the cost of farming and frees farmers from the debt trap caused by buying expensive chemical inputs.

6. Better Livelihood for Farmers
With the rise in demand for organic produce, farmers can often command premium prices in local and export markets, improving their income and quality of life.

7. Long-Term Agricultural Sustainability
Chemical-based farming may offer short-term gains but leads to long-term damage to soil and water resources. Organic farming ensures sustainable productivity over decades.

8. Safe Ecosystem for Pollinators and Wildlife
Organic farms avoid synthetic pesticides, which are often deadly to bees, butterflies, and birds. This promotes a healthy ecosystem and natural pest control.

Conclusion

Organic farming is not just a technique; it’s a philosophy of harmony with nature. At a time when agriculture is facing multiple crises—soil degradation, farmer suicides, health issues, and climate threats—organic farming provides a holistic solution. It ensures food security, ecological balance, and farmer welfare, making it essential for a sustainable future.

Bitter Gourd

Health Benefits of eating bitter gourd (करेला)

By sehpaathi On September 19, 2023 0 Comments

Health Benefits of eating bitter gourd (करेला)

Bitter gourd or करेला is a popular tropical vine that produces edible vegetables. They are known for their sharp, bitter taste and are mostly a part of Asian cuisines. Bitter gourds are known for their their health advantages, a few of which are given below.

Health benefits of eating bitter gourd

Improves digestion: Bitter gourd or Karela helps reduce risks of digestive tract disorders.
Weight loss : Karela helps in weight loss including belly fat
Purify Blood : Karela is known for its antimicrobal and antioxidant properties that helps in purification of blood.
Kidney Stones : Karela helps in breaking down of kidnney stones.
Blood Pressure : Karela contains pheonic compounds which may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Diabates : Karela’s are considered as the best fruit to manage diabetes since ages. Karela supplements can enhance insulin production and improve high density lipoprotein levels.
Skin and Hair health : Karela juice contains vitamins A and C, which help in acne and skin issues. It also help with hair loss, dandruff and split orders.
Karela;s are rich in iron, vitamin C, low in calories and are a good source of folate

Read More

DIY Bitter Gourd or karela
Who must not eat Bitter Gourd or karela
Steps to grow Bitter Gourd.

marigold

Marigold Farming – Its health advantages

By sehpaathi On September 15, 2023 0 Comments

Marigold Farming – Its advantages

Marigold farming (गैंदा फूल की खेती) is very popular in India. Marigold farming originally came from southern Europe and is being cultivated in India since past 100 years.

Marigold farming has several advantages which are being described below.

Marigold acts as plant protectors in Protected cultivation structures. Sowing Marigold around your Protected cultivation structures reduces attack of pests and flies and thus helps you get a higher yield.
Skin Healing : Marigold since ancient times is being used to heal skin wounds, rashes, burns, bites, swelling. Marigold has the ability to promote growth of healthy new tissues, increase blood flow in affected area and hydrate skin.
Antioxidant : Marigold flowers are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin A
Sore Throat / Mouth Ulcers: Marigold is an effective remedy for sore throats, gingivitis, tonsillitis and mouth ulcers. Gargling with Marigold tea will help to soothe the mucus membranes of the throat whilst easing the pain.

READ MORE

All About Marigold farming
DIY – Marigold farming
Seasons to grow marigold

Cucumber (खीरा)

Health benefits of eating cucumber (खीरा)

By sehpaathi On September 14, 2023 0 Comments

Health benefits of eating cucumber (खीरा)

Cucumber is a veggie widely available throughout the year. Cucumbers in India are available in various varieties and has many health advantages. A few of them are listed below.

Why one must eat cucumber everyday ?

It is highly nutritious : Cucumbers are low in calories but are very high in important vitamins and minerals. Every 300 gms of raw cucumber (खीरा) has the following nutrient (Source)
- Calories: 45
- Total fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 11 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 62% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
- Potassium: 13% of the RDI
- Manganese: 12% of the RDI
Cucumbers have a high water content and are made of 96% water. To maximize nutrient content cucumbers must be eaten unpeeled Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins and minerals.
Detoxification : Cucumbers or Kheera (खीरा) have great detoxification properties. Thus they help to detoxify your body.
Cucumbers or Kheera (खीरा) are naturally cooling and help dehydration and overheating.
Cucumber helps in regulating blood sugar levels

What you should not eat with cucumber

People consume Cucumber and radish often together but it may lead to serious complications to their health. Cucumber contains ascorbate, which acts to absorb vitamin C. In such a situation, when you eat radish with it, it creates obstruction in this process, which can lead to a variety of health concerns.

Read More

DIY Cucumber Plantation
Life Cycle of Cucumber (खीरा)
Diseases in Cucumber (खीरा) growth cycle

organic fertilizer

Organic Fertilizers and their importance

By sehpaathi On September 12, 2023 0 Comments

Organic Fertilizers and their importance

Fertilizers are a very important component required for plant growth and high yield. With the changing lifestyles and demand, today most fruits and veggies are filled with synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides helps to grow crops faster and get a better yield but also works as a slow poison for our digestive systems and results in diseases. At the same time it also downgrades soil quality. At such times, demand is very high for authentic organic veggies and fruits.

Importance of Organic Fertilizer :

Organic fertilizers are cheaper than synthetic fertilizers
They are easy to make. One can even make an organic fertilizer at home.
It will improve soil health.
It will remove help remove toxins from our body which are resulting in many serious diseases like cancers, kidney failures and heart attacks.
Longer crop duration.

How to make organic fertilizer (A few ways)

A Mix of cow dung, cow urine, soil sorrounding Ficus religiosa (पीपल), jaggery (गुड़) along with decomposing bacteria’s make an excellent organic fertilizer for plant growth. They help to keep diseases away and helps to grow plant faster. The above given organic fertilizer must be made and kept in isolation for 7-10 days before use. Then it can be transferred directly to plants. Use this organic fertilizer every 15 days and see your plants flourish.
A mix of jaggery (गुड़), Chickpea flour (बेसन), cow urine along with decomposing bacteria make an excellent organic fertilizer for plant growth. It is advised to keep this fertilizer in isolation for atleast 24 hours before use. Use this organic fertilizer every 15 days.
A mix of cow urine, agricultural neem oil for spray application. This will help to keep pests away. You can spray them every 7 days.

There are thousand of ways to make organic fertilizers which can suit your crop, These methods help you grow veggies and fruit free from any harmful effects to your health.

shade net house

Crops you can grow in a Shade Net house

By sehpaathi On September 10, 2023 0 Comments

Crops you can grow in a Shade Net house

Shade net house is a protected cultivation technique which controls pests and temperature and thus gives plants, herbs and flowers perfect environment to grow and give higher yield.

Growing crops in a net shade house is possible round the year, but you must decide what you grow according to your local circumstances.

Here is a list of Crops you can grow in a Shade Net house

Cucumber: In India we regard July – September as monsoon months. So you can grow cucumber between months of March – April and September – December. Cucumber has a small crop cycle of 3 months so you can easily manage crop within these months. Cucumber can grow in monsoon also but the quality and yield is heavily effected.
Tomato : In India tomato’s are planted twice a year according to place to place. But in a net house you can easily plant tomato in February and take harvest till August. You are expected to get a better price of tomato all these months due to limited supply. Tomato plants have higher tolerance level.
Cucumber : In India again cucumbers can be planted in February and take harvest till August. You are expected to get a better price of tomato all these months due to limited supply. It is advised that you go for colored capsicum as they fetch a higher price.
Flowers: Flowers grow very healthy in shade net house.