Quick answer
Hemp mats are cleaner and easiest for small-seeded microgreens like broccoli, radish and mustard, while coco coir holds more moisture and suits a wider range of crops, including peas and sunflower. Beginners who want the least mess should start with hemp; those growing many crop types often prefer coir.
Both are popular soilless options. The right choice depends on what you grow and how much mess you can live with.
Side-by-side
| Hemp mats | Coco coir | |
|---|---|---|
| Mess | Very clean | Some loose fibre |
| Moisture | Dries faster | Holds water longer |
| Best crops | Small seeds | Most crops, including large seeds |
| Reuse | Compost after one crop | Can be composted or mixed into garden soil |
Our verdict
Start with hemp mats for your first few trays of broccoli or radish. Switch to coco coir when you start growing peas, sunflower or larger quantities. See the full soilless growing guide.
