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Re: Pearlite in raised beds

Square Foot Gardening List - http://www.flinet.com/~gallus/sqft.html

> Subject: Pearlite in raised beds
> Date: Thursday, April 22, 1999 6:39 PM
> 
> 
> I hope there is someone out there better at math than I.  I have (4) 
> raised beds 4ft x 8ft x 18" high, the soil is about 15" high.  The 
> beds dry out very quickly in the summer so I am adding pearlite and 
> vermiculite to hopefully avoid the problem this summer.  The soil in 
> the beds are comprised of top soil, mushroom soil, peat moss and a 
> little compost.  I don't know how much of the pearlite and 
> vermiculite I should add to an area that large.  I only have recipes 
> for small quantities that call for cups.  I couldn't begin to tell 
> you how many cups are in there.  Help please!!!!!!!
>
> Thanks,
> 
> Sheila

When I set up my first squares I tried be exact with the formulas too.
Assuming all units are the same just substitute a different unit.
In my case I changed everthing from 1 quart of this and 2 quarts of 
that to buckets of this and buckets of that.
In my experience though the exact and perfect mix is not required.
Anything you do to improve it helps.  I purchased a large bag of
vermiculite about 5 feet tall and 24 inches in diameter and just
divided it in between the beds.  1/3 in this bed, 1/3 in the next.
A small bag of a few quarts of fine vermiculite was around $10.  The
big bag of course vermiculite cost me $20ish.  100 times more for
twice the cost, that was easy math.  I believe Mel mentions this
price effect in "The Book".  That and one bale of Peatmoss in each bed
has given me very nice soil now.  (I started with clay, if you turned it
over and left it exposed to the sun it turned into bricks.)

In your case I would suggest one large bag scattered over the top of 
all your beds (1 bag over 4 beds) worked into the top 6-10 inches.
(basically what I did)  I have read the adding vermiculite and peat
and compost etc beyond the first 12 inches is usually a waste.  
Or at least a case of diminishing returns.  



- Ron


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