vermiculite and other stuff

I live in France(Savoie) near the Geneva border and will be starting SFG this spring. The first problem is finding vermiculite! Can any one help? Also, are there any substitutes? Would like to hear from anyone in this area doing this type of gardening.
Susan

Hi, Susan -- I'm just outside Paris -- I've found Vermiculite at Leroy Merlin-Castorama-Point P -- anywhere that sells building materials. You'll find it with the insulation (isolation).

I don't know why, but the garden centers don't sell straight vermiculite here -- they love to sell terreau with it incorporated, but not the stuff by itself...so off you go to the insulation department!

UPDATE: I was out this afternoon doing some price comparisons -- Leroy Merlin had a 100-litre bag of the stuff for 10,95E (outside, in the materiel section)...compare that to 5,95E for a 1-litre bag of it in the garden centre. They also carry peat (tourbe blonde) at 11,95E for 100 litres, and fumier de cheval for 5,95E for 50 litres.

The Castorama I went to is an urban store, so had very, very little in the way of soil and things. I'll check another store later in the week, and will advice what their prices look like.

Lafee,
Thanks so much for your valuable information! Have a big Castorama in Chambery to start. Tell me about your garden-what works and what doesn't. Thanks again, Susan

Hi, Susan - I'll be interested to find out myself! This is my first try at SFG, so I'm hoping for the best.

I waited out the first year in this house, because I didn't know what was planted anywhere...so this year I have great plans for all the work I want to do!