I got the good stuff, Canna coco, for my last grow. I have limited space so I want to reuse the coco from this grow instead of having to store it when I hydrate more. Everything I’ve read about reusing coco says let it dry, remove roots, rinse, buffer then reuse. It takes several weeks or more for coco to dry out all the way. I’m bored to effing death and want to get another grow started. Would it make any difference if I just go ahead and start the process before it’s all the way dry? Seems to me I’d be rinsing away the same stuff whether it’s dry or not.
1 Like
I usually re use with no problems, but this last time I tried it wouldn’t let go of any water. Which led to rot. If I re use again in the future there will definitely be perlite added.
EDIT
I’ve literally chopped plants and cut out the main stalk big enough for a solo, tore up some of the roots and planted. Sometimes in the same week.
2 Likes
Im pretty sure the reason to dry out is to allow root system to die off. Makes for easier removal. You should be plenty good.
7 Likes
I think you’re right. Easier to remove the roots and rinse out dust. I’m pretty sure the small particles that would become dust will rinse away anyway. I take the coco out of the pots and put it into one big bag for buffering so getting roots out won’t be an issue.
I have 12 gallons or so of plantonix (I think) coco and perlite from my first grow. It’s dried out and ready to use but i could tell the Canna was higher quality. I’ll go ahead get the Canna from last grow ready. I’ll make sure the ratio of perlite is right before using it.
Thanks for your help @Low @dbrn32 . I officially have a new addiction. At least it’s a productive one that saves money instead of wasting it. Lol.
4 Likes
Have fun!! 
1 Like
Personally I wouldn’t reuse coco. I believe it’s going to be a task to get it back to original form. If you do, flush it real thoroughly and recharge it with cal mag a few cycles before planting
1 Like
I have tried it a couple of times with varying degrees of success. My main problem was the root mass was so tight I could not break it up. I let it dry out and pound in with a hammer. I maybe salvaged 25 - 30%. It was hard for me to justify the effort. Now I toss it on the compost pile. My garden will benefit from it.
2 Likes
If you don’t have particularly fast turnaround needed, try something like cannazyme or similar product. Will help breakdown root mass some.
1 Like
Funny you mentioned that. I use AN Sensizym through out the grow. If the root ball is kept moist it will eventually breakdown. In one case after probably a month the main stem broke free and the ball was much more friable.
1 Like
Not so sure about that.
It depends on consumption. If I’m producing 12-15 lbs a year or let’s say 330 ozs on the low end… that would cost me around $117,000 from a dispensary. Not that I smoke like that. But yeah. It can definitely be cost saving, average yearly electricity bill is around 3,500. Water/disposal bill around 1,000. I have 15,000 invested into the hobby.
2 Likes
My life is invested, plus all my cash. My retirement hobby is my life, now.
Thanks to forum contributors, my grow its getting better, amazingly, is spite of myself.
2 Likes