I got two 8 pound bricks of Coco coir, and after expanding it in water it made at least 4cf. I won’t be using it for about a month, and want to store it until then.
Do I need to let it dry before storing?
I spread it out on a sheet of plywood in my yard, but after 4 days it’s still very moist. It’s dried up some, but at this rate it seems like it’ll never fully dry, and I’m scared of ants and other bugs infesting it if I leave it out much longer.
For those who use Coco coir, can I store it slightly moist or does it need to be completely dry?
Moisture can lead to mold in coco coir if it’s stored improperly, especially when it’s too wet and sealed in a container without airflow. Saturated coco in a warm, humid environment is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and even harmful bacteria. However, lightly moist coco that’s just been hydrated and stored in a cool, well-ventilated area with some air circulation is far less likely to develop mold in the short term. It helps preserve the structure and prevents the fibers from becoming brittle or dusty, which can happen if it’s stored completely dry. For long-term storage though, it’s safest to dry the coco out fully and rehydrate it before use to avoid any risk of mold or microbial growth. So while moist coco can mold, it depends on how moist it is and how you store it. I generally will just let it sit in an tote and occasionally mix it up. Eventually it dries out. Compromises some of its integrity, however you gotta do what you gotta do. Generally will hydrate with nutrients and peroxide when starting up again.
I try to squeeze as much water out as possible then put it in a plastic storage container (with a lid) until needed. You can also put it in plastic pots and just water it each week or even leave it without water. A month shouldn’t be an issue and you could just put it in pots and leave it somewhere dry.
