In this article, we talk about the advantages of using a coco media for in your cannabis grow.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to growing your growing media and it’s not always easy to know which to use.
Growers need to take many variables into account when deciding what media will work best for them. There are questions of pH, feeding schedules, drainability, potential nutrient lockout, the list goes on.
So what should you do? In the end the answer is to use the product that works best for you. But again, what one is it? The only way to answer this is to learn a bit about what’s available, so to that end, let’s talk about coco coir.

What is Coco Coir?

Coco Coir in a plant byproduct, specifically coconut fiber. The manufacture of coco coir involves removing the coir grains from the husk and processsing them into a uniform grow media, creating an elegant, organic grow substrate.

Advantages of Coco Coir

While every grow substrate will have its pros and cons, coco has some specific features that make it very popular with cannabis growers.

• High water holding capacity, ideal for humid environments.
• Coco coir is in the pH neutral range.
• The root system thrives in coco due to coco’s drainability and aeration.
• Natural pest control – coco is a natural anti-fungal and can even repel some pest types.
• Environmentally Friendly – Made from coconut waste.
• Reusable – don’t forget to flush it before you reuse!
• Greater yields – maybe the most important factor to growers, coco coir boasts larger harvests due to the ability for the roots to easily find food in a coco media.

What about peat moss?

Peat moss has been used as a substrate for a long time and many growers swear by it. While it has some of the same great properties of coco coir, peat moss isn’t considered environmentally sustainable. Peat moss is a natural forming substrate that can take 15-25 years to form. Removing it from the environment can have a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Some scientists consider “peat bog” ecosystems to be as fragile as the rainforests.

Interested in coco coir?

If you’re interested in coco coir there are numerous products on the market. One of the best we’ve heard about is Tupur from Royal Gold. We featured the product in our Honeydew Farms episode of Canna Cribs because the grower used it and loved it. Tupur was developed to give growers a blank slate to build their own feeding regimen. Additionally, Tupur can be watered up to six times a day, making it an ideal choice for automated systems, particularly drain to waste as well as ebb and flow, but Tupur works beautifully in hand-watered gardens too.

Royal Gold Tupur=More bang for your buck

If price is an issue when it comes to media, Tupur is available in a 2 cubic-foot bag that’s priced to compete with the industry standard 1.5 cubic-foot bag. Not only can you increase yields and have greater control over your grow, but you’ll be able to save money doing it.
Higher yields, happier plants, good for the environment, and costs less? Seems like something worth trying.

So there you have it, our explanation of what coco is and how it can help your grow thrive. Have you used coco before? What kind of media do you prefer? We want to know! Click one of the join buttons on this page and tell us about it in the Growers Network forum!

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In this article, We talk about a few great herbal extractors for home use. Includes products for any budget!

Cannabis extracts are more popular than ever. Check out the dispensary trends of the past few years and you’ll see that there are a lot of people moving from flower to an extract of some kind, usually hash, oil, or edible infusions like THC or CBD butter.

While infusions and other extracts from the dispensary are created in a processing facility, you can do your own extractions at home. Sound crazy? Far from it. Imagine the satisfaction of enjoying your own extractions, you’ll be the envy of your friends, not to mention you’ll be able to enjoy your extracts without the hassle (and prices) of a dispensary.
But what do you need to start doing your own extractions? You will need some equipment. Fortunately we’re here with some recommendations no matter what your price point.

Quick look at our favorite pieces of extraction equipment You can use at home

Best Budget Extractor: T Handle Pollen Press Tool by Herb Master Best Mid-priced Extractor: ONGROK Butter Maker, Extractor and Automatic Oil Maker (Oil, Tincture, Butter) Best High-End Extractor: Dulytek DHP7 Hydraulic Heat Press Machine, 7 Ton Pressing Force Best Butter Machine: Magical Butter Machine Best Hash Machine: BUBBLEBAGDUDE Bubble Bag Machine – 5 Gallon Portable Herbal Extractor
Editorial Note: Our recommendations are based on positive customer reviews. Growers Network is not paid to recommend any particular brand or product.

Best Budget Extractor: T Handle Pollen Press Tool by Herb Master

The T Handle Pollen Press by Herb Master is our pick for best budget extractor. It’s not a complicated tool and if you like hash, you’ll like this easy to use press. Just collect your pollen or kief and press away!
Check out additional product features here.

Best Mid-Priced Extractor: ONGROK Butter Maker, Extractor and Automatic Oil Maker (Oil, Tincture, Butter)

The Onorok Botanical Infuser is our pick for best mid-priced extractor. Turn your herb into oil in as little as an hour! This kit allows you to extract your herb to create butter for homemade edibles, tincture drops, and topicals. Includes the following to get you infusing quickly: cook book, silicone gloves, and 2 nylon filter bags.
Bonus: This product is safety certified for home use!
Check out the product specs here.

Best High-End Extractor: Dulytek DHP7 Hydraulic Heat Press Machine

Need a little more oomph out of your press? The Dulytek DHP7 Hydraulic Heat Press Machine has 7000 lbs of force. Able to handle of to 20 grams of herb, this press comes fully assembled and ready to use. Features include reinforced frame, 2-channel temperature control, removable hydraulic jack, and free starter kit! Check out the products specs here.

Best Butter Machine: Magical Butter Machine

If you know about home extraction you’ve probably heard of the Magic Butter machine. This one earns great ratings from users and gets high marks for quality at a reasonable price. Automated modes for easy use and several self-cleaning modes too.
This kit comes with everything you need to create butter, tinctures, oils, creams & topicals, salad dressings and more! Comes with a micron filter, cookbook, and a Magical Glove oven mitt!
Check out the product specs and features here.

Best Hash Machine: BUBBLEBAGDUDE Bubble Bag Machine

Do you have any questions or comments?

Feel free to post below!