How much water should I add to coco peat to germinate seeds?

Question

I am trying to germinate some alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds in coco peat. I bought a bag of dried coco peat at a store. The coco peat consists of coconut husk pith and some coconut husk fibers. I recall some advice that germination media should be as moist as a "wrung out sponge". I am not sure how much water that is supposed to be. Does "wrung out sponge" refer to 50% moisture in coco peat? i.e. the weight of the water should be equal to the weight of the (dried) coco peat.

Answer 1

I suggest doing it by feel. I rehydrate compressed blocks of coco peat for soil blocks, and how much water I add varies block to block.

But to put some numbers on it, I have a block of compressed coco peat from Exotic Wood Zone in front of me. The label says to add 0.6 gallons (2.3L) of water to each 1.4 pound (635g) block, and then add more water if it is still too dry.

2.3kg water / (2.3kg water + 0.635kg coco peat)

2.3kg water / 2.935kg total mass

78% moisture by mass

Good luck with your alfalfa!

Answer 2

One approach is to soak it, in an excess of water, and then grab a handful and literally wring it out (because it's a fibrous media where you can expect that to work.)