How to Use Coco Liners

When it comes to planter liners, two popular options are coco and moss. Coco liners, also called coir liners, are made from coconuts, which means the product is considered a renewable resource. The pH of coco liners is ideal for planting, and the liners conform to the shape of the containers, making them easy to use.

Coco liners come in preshaped forms or long rolls. If your planting basket comes in a standard shape and size, the premade coir liners save time. For odd-shaped baskets, a roll of coco liner allows for a custom liner to fit the planter. Cut a piece of the liner large enough to completely fit inside the basket. Soak the coir in a large container of water for 15 to 30 minutes. Soaking adds initial moisture and helps the coir mold to the shape of the container. Place the sheet of coir inside the container, smoothing it so the liner fits into the basket. Trim any excess coco liner along the top edge of the container.

All those fibers from the coconut husks mean your hanging pot will get plenty of drainage, but all that drainage can also mean your plants dry out quickly. A plastic liner inside the pot helps hold some of the moisture in so you don't have to water your plants so often. Some preshaped coir liners come with a built-in plastic liner. You can also add a plastic liner, using something as simple as a grocery sack. Poke holes in the plastic liner so the planter drains adequately.

With the liner secured in place, you're ready to fill your hanging pot. Choose a lightweight potting mix so your container isn't too heavy. Fill the coir-lined pot gently, leaving at least 1 inch at the top. The coconut husks used in coir contain potassium, copper, zinc and manganese -- all nutrients that benefit plant growth.

You can plant in a coir-lined planter just as you would with any hanging planter. Choose a balance of plant colors, heights and textures for variety in your hanging container. One difference with coco liners is the ability to plant on the sides of the container. Cut holes along the sides of the container just large enough for your seedlings. Put the roots of the seedlings through the hole so they are inside the container. Add more potting soil to cover the roots. Planting around the edges of the coir liner makes the container look full faster.