URBAN SUSTAINABILITY WITH COCO-PEAT: THE VERTICAL GARDEN SOLUTION

URBAN SUSTAINABILITY WITH COCO-PEAT: THE VERTICAL GARDEN SOLUTION

Authors

  • tayyaba hussain University of the Punjab

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46662/plantarum.v6i2.85

Keywords:

cocopeat, sustainable, vertical gardening, livingwalls, environment, plantation, kitchen gardening

Abstract

The use of coco peat as a growing medium offers a promising solution for enhancing water retention in
garden soil, particularly in the context of vertical gardening. Its lightweight nature and effective growth properties
make it an ideal choice for vertical gardening, eliminating the necessity for fertilizers and herbicides typically
associated with peat. This article aims to determine the feasibility of using coco peat composite material in urban
construction of vertical plants. Experiments were undertaken in a systematic manner, consistent with the guidelines
for vertical gardening, in order to determine whether coco peat can be satisfactorily used as a vegetative growth
medium, soil substitute or additive, or component of a potting mix. Various flowering plants and vegetation were
grown in pots containing both natural soil and coco peat, demonstrating remarkable growth performance, even in the
absence of manure. Unlike conventional soil, coco peat retains water efficiently, preventing waterlogging and
promoting optimal moisture levels. Having retention ranging from 7-8 times its own weight, coco peat increases
aeration and drainage contributing to better root development. Additionally, though not a requirement, it is useful to
combine coco peat with other soil constituents or substances as it results in a healthy organic growth medium which
is helpful when growing plants in difficult environmental conditions

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Published

2024-12-10