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Perlite or Vermiculite
AWB
Posts: 421
What would you get ? or are they interchangeable.
0
AWB
Posts: 421
AWB
Posts: 421
Posts
What do you want it for? I use Perlite to add to compost to keep the structure open. I use fine vermiculite to top off seed pots - it's translucent so light can still get through.
Thank you, I didn't appreciate the difference.
I clearly need both products, will be getting new potting shed at end of month and am looking forward to seed sowing And repotting.
I have also made a new year resolution to keep it clean and tidy, fit it with shelves and organise the general clutter that has been accumulated.
Perlite helps drainage, so good for plants that need sharp drainage. Vermiculite keeps the water, so is not as good for succulents etc.
I used to use Vermiculite on top of sown seeds but I now follow Carol Klein and use grit most of the time, which I find generally works fine and is a lot cheaper in my experience.
Higgy
http://higgysgardenproject.blogspot.co.uk/
free postage 6lt £6.00 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VERMICULITE-HORTICULTURAL-1-3MM-2LTR-4LTR-OR-6LTR-/370919248724?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Garden_Plants_Fertiliser_CV&var=&hash=item565c829354
CLUELESS
The Range has Perlite at a good price as well I think it's 10 lt for £9.00
Clueless
I buy Perlite from Amazon warehouse (£14) with free P&P for 100L
You can get 100 litre bags or Perlite (£19 + free pp) and 100 litre bags of Vermiculite £24 + free pp) on Amazon. I found the prices slightly cheaper than my local garden centre, but not by much. I've got a bag of 100 litre perlite which should last me a few years.
With the Perlite, it's very dry and dusty so it can be a good idea to give it a soaking before you use it otherwise you'll get a lung full.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Horticultural-Medium-Grade-Perlite-Litre/dp/B002A4BG16/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1388751487&sr=8-3&keywords=perlite
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plant-T-100L-Vermiculite-Bag/dp/B0085V099I/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1388751487&sr=8-11&keywords=perlite
I only use very little of either and have a full bag of perlite not opened. I will start to use this for seeds in future. I use vermiculate to prevent moss on pots which grows at a terrific rate here.
Fine grit is usually used on seeds which need a long time to germinate and are left outside over winter. Vermiculite tends to be used on smaller seeds which need heat and light to germinate. I mix perlite into compost to improve drainage, but it tends to float to the top when watered so needs to have some compost on top to hold it down.