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Getting started with coconut substrates

Ready to switch to a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable cultivation system? Coconut substrate offers growers worldwide a reliable growing medium with an optimal water and air balance.
Whether you grow vegetables, fruit, or flowers, coconut helps you get more out of your crop and your cultivation strategy.

Why choose coconut substrate?

At Dutch Plantin, we believe sustainable growth starts with good choices. Coconut substrate is:

  • Efficient in water use – ideal for drip irrigation.

  • Light and airy – stimulates strong root development.

  • Environmentally friendly – reusable and made from residual materials.

  • Proven reliable – used successfully for tomatoes, strawberries, herbs, flowers, and potted plants.

“With coconut substrate we save water and increase our yield. It’s a win-win.”

Wortels in kokossubstraat

How to get started easily

Whether you’re already familiar with substrates or using them for the first time, working with coconut is surprisingly simple. We guide you step by step.

1. Make the right choice

There’s a suitable form for every crop and cultivation system:

  • Growbags: for intensive greenhouse or tunnel cultivation.
  • Blocks or briquettes: for easy logistics and flexible use.
  • Loose mixes: perfect for propagation, pots, or hydroponics.

Our cultivation advisors are happy to help you choose the best product for your situation.

2. Prepare your growing environment

Before planting, a well-functioning irrigation system is essential. Ensure adequate drainage and climate control. Place the growbags or pots in position, cut drainage holes if needed, and hydrate the substrate until fully expanded. Depending on your crop, pre-buffering with calcium and lowering EC may be required. Ask us for a detailed manual.

3. Initial growth phase

At the start, it’s important to build up irrigation gradually. Preferably use A+B nutrients specifically formulated for coconut. Monitor EC and pH closely to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.

4. Optimization during growth

Throughout the cultivation cycle, monitoring is essential. Regularly measure drain, moisture levels, and EC values of the substrate. This allows you to make quick adjustments when needed and keep your plants healthy and productive.

5. Harvest and look ahead

After harvest, check whether the substrate can be reused. Many growers use the same growbag for multiple seasons. Evaluate the results and adjust your next cultivation cycle accordingly.

Suitable for Countless Crops

Coconut substrate proves itself daily in practice, including for:

  • Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers
  • Soft fruit including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries
  • Herbs such as basil and mint
  • Ornamental plants and potted plants

Applications are broad, and we’re happy to help you discover what works best for your business.

Sustainable cultivation with Dutch Plantin

For us, sustainability means more than just a green image. We give residual materials a second life, produce with care for people and the environment, and help growers around the world use water and fertilizers more efficiently. That’s not only good for the planet but also for your business operations.

Ready to get started?

Curious what coconut substrate can do for your crop? We’re here to help. Request a trial package, have a substrate plan created, or contact one of our specialists directly.