I use Perlite mixed in with seed'n'cutting compost to improve drainage. Fine grit over seeds seems to work, and I also put grit on my bonsai pots to keep the squirrels at bay!
I haven't managed to find a source of horticultural grit locally, and the weight must make large bags of the stuff difficult to handle? I did have a small bag but it ran out years ago, and I've never seen it since.
They do all sorts of vermiculite grading so you can choose fine or course. I use the courser grade for mixing with compost. It's not as cheap as the 100lt perlite recommended by Michael above, but it may be a handier amount to store (100lts is quite big!!).
Gets good reviews aside from the idiot at the bottom of the reviewers who decided to give it 3 stars because he/she hadn't had chance to try it out yet !!
I've had problems with damping off in the past so use vermisculite when sowing seeds and potting up seedlings. Perlite is mixed in the compost for hanging baskets, I won't be using it in pots around the garden this year unless permanent features as it doesn't decompose very quickly, my compost bin is currently full of tiny white balls from last years pots
I'd probably use perlite then zoomrr44 !vermiculite is the one that holds 500 times it's weight in water. Perlite is great for drainage. I'm happy to have that in my compost heap
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I use Perlite mixed in with seed'n'cutting compost to improve drainage. Fine grit over seeds seems to work, and I also put grit on my bonsai pots to keep the squirrels at bay!
I haven't managed to find a source of horticultural grit locally, and the weight must make large bags of the stuff difficult to handle? I did have a small bag but it ran out years ago, and I've never seen it since.
I tried Vermiculite on some seeds last year OOoo thats a first time I've said "last year"
and all the Vermiculite floated around the seed tray so I suppose watering from the bottom with watering mats
Clueless
Landgirl. I get fine grit from the pet shop, Aquarium dept
Bit expensive but I never see anything that fine in GCs
In the sticks near Peterborough
I use vermiculite for mixing with my own compost to aerate it, and I find it works well. The last lot I got here at £15.50 for 50lts:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VERMICULITE-PREMIUM-GRADE-EX-LARGE-MEDIUM-FINE-GRADE-/261319922781?pt=UK_Baby_Baby_Feeding_Bottle_Warmers_Coolers_LE&var=&hash=item3cd7e1945d
They do all sorts of vermiculite grading so you can choose fine or course. I use the courser grade for mixing with compost. It's not as cheap as the 100lt perlite recommended by Michael above, but it may be a handier amount to store (100lts is quite big!!).
Just found this perlite on Amazon at a cheaper price than already quoted - £17.99 for 100lt delivered:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plant-T-100L-Perlite-Bag/dp/B0085UXVUI/ref=wl_mb_hu_m_4_dp
Gets good reviews aside from the idiot at the bottom of the reviewers who decided to give it 3 stars because he/she hadn't had chance to try it out yet !!
I've had problems with damping off in the past so use vermisculite when sowing seeds and potting up seedlings. Perlite is mixed in the compost for hanging baskets, I won't be using it in pots around the garden this year unless permanent features as it doesn't decompose very quickly, my compost bin is currently full of tiny white balls from last years pots