Vermiculite vs Perialite

chexmix 3/12/2010, 11:20 pm

I am very new to gardening as this is my first one Vermiculite vs Perialite Affraid

. Because the sfg seems so easy this is what i am going to do. However, Vermiculite is almost impossible to find. I have found one 4 cubic ft. bag. The store I purchased from could not tell me when another shipment would be in but they have several bags of perialite in stock. So my question is this, Can I use perialite in place of vermiculite? Or use half and half?

I am doing two 4x4 boxes so by my estimates (boy I could be wrong) I need 2 - 4 cubic ft bags. Is this correct? Or am I over calculating what I really need. Also trying to find 5 different compost is proving to be difficult as well. Got 4 but no clue where I'm gonna find number 5.

Ok enough rambling this time. Looking forward to any advice you can give.

**mckr3441** 3/15/2010, 9:35 pm

What kind of composts did you get? And do you have the peat?

About the perlite... we don't usually use it... Mel doesn't seem to like it...

This is a quote from his book (p.99-100): "I personally don't like to use perlite, and here's why. It is hard as a rock, rather coarse and gritty, and I don't like the feel of it in the soil mix. It doesn't hold moisture like vermiculite. In addition, it floats to the top of the soil mix as you water your garden and because it's white, it looks rather unsightly and unnatural. And it makes me sneeze! Many people do use perlite instead of vermiculite and, in fact, most of the commercial mixes are made with perlite because it's cheaper. It's a matter of preference and availability, but I know which one I'm buying."

Of course he'll buy it if he can get it!

Do the best you can and don't give up.


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Vermiculite vs Perialite

Vermiculite vs Perialite

Re: Vermiculite vs Perialite