Vermiculite: How many small bags per box?

TaylorNH 4/25/2010, 5:06 pm

I cannot find the big bags of vermiculite anywhere locally. The only local store that will order it for me has had it on backorder for weeks, and when I find it on line, its nearly $30 for shipping. I'm resigning myself to use the small bags that I can find out here. I am bit confused at how much I need to buy. None of the bags say "this is x square feet of vermiculite." Its all in 8 quarts or 18 quarts. Does anyone know a conversion formula of quarts to square feet? How many of these small 8 quart bags do I need per 4x4foot box?

Retired Member 1 4/25/2010, 7:23 pm

I use a nifty program called Convert, and according to it, there are 29 quarts in a cubic foot. So times that by 4, there are 119 quarts in one 4 CF bag.

If you are interested in Convert, it is a free download from:
http://joshmadison.com/software/convert-for-windows/

silverbug 4/25/2010, 8:24 pm

Which is the problem I had and needless to say, I do not have NEARLY enough vermiculite in my mix. Oh, well....I did the best I could. I tried, and have all composted manure, and not enough vermiculite, and I'm willing to bet, SOMETHING will grow in my gardens. LOLOL. I'm praying that's the case....So far, I see spinach sprouts, and one pea sprout, so, I'm excited, however, I've found there are TINY sprouts of some weed thing coming up that I didn't put in there. LMAO.

Good luck with the little bags of vermiculite. I think I bought 8 bags for three 4x4 beds, and that's all she wrote. I could get more, but I've begun planting and am saying better luck next year to myself.

Wyldflower 4/25/2010, 10:10 pm

Taylor... I hope you've checked the VERMICULITE DATA BASE .... There's only one source listed in NH, but maybe it's close enough to where you are? Or if you're on the VT or MA border, there are more sources in those states. The cost of the small bags is difficult if not prohibitive, so I would think that a 'road trip' to buy the big bags might be worthwhile - especially if you can find some other SFGers to pool with. Good luck!

If that doesn't help, I know perlite is 'second choice' but it may be more available than the vermiculite.

Silverbug... where are you?

TaylorNH 4/26/2010, 6:56 am

Thanks! Wyldflower- I love that you did a database! I think I got lost in it though. If I am remembering correctly, I think it took me to the state extension office. Now I can't find the database Sad

Where is the database located and do you remember what place sells the stuff?

silverbug 4/26/2010, 7:15 am

I'm in Wisconsin, but at this stage, it's a non-issue. I am not spending any more money on additives to the garden. I've got two of my three beds planted, and I'm just gonna go with it. Things WILL grow. LOLOL.

I've gardened for many years, and used everything from nearly pure clay, to miracle grow potting soil in containers, etc...I think I should be doing ok. It's probably not optimal, and a bit more vermiculite would balance out my single compost, etc....My Grandfather and his brothers owned and operated a successful greenhouse all of my childhood. I kinda wish he were still around to let me know what HE thinks of my mix and how it'll prove out in the end. Next year, I can add more vermiculite, and I'll have my own compost working, so, I figure it can only get better and better from here.

Retired Member 1 4/26/2010, 9:06 am

TaylorNH wrote:Thanks! Wyldflower- I love that you did a database! I think I got lost in it though. If I am remembering correctly, I think it took me to the state extension office. Now I can't find the database Where is the database located and do you remember what place sells the stuff?

It's on the general forum: https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/Vermiculite-Entry-Form-h1.htm

If you really can't find any in your area, just use a mix of 5 different composts.

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