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Re: Perlite vs. vermiculite

Hi Vicki,

I'm using what I believe to be the fine grade.  Funny thing is that I have
been cleaning my *office*, and i came across my journal notes from last year's
season, and it them I ran across an entry that said, something like, "
....have to remember NOT to use vermiculite as my *cutter* next year.
Seedlings were drying out too much"   

The good news is that I came across a post on Alpine-L theat mentions using
vermiculite for Hypertufas. And since I plan on making a coupld of these this
spring, it looks like I won't have 30 lbs laying around after all !!

Oh, and I also use the vermiculite for seeds that need to be stratified in the
refrigerator.  I hadn't thought of using it as a top dressing, though. I'm
using chicken grit. I don't know if I would be able to tell if the surface had
dried out or not, using vermiculite.

Karen 

<<   Dear Karen:
 
         What size of vermiculite do you have?   I'm sprinkling fine and
 medium sized vermiculite on top of my indoor sown seeds.  It seems to be
 easier for the seedlings to push through as well as helps prevent green
 tops on the pots.  Even though I'm using the vermiculite a teaspoon at a
 time the bag is rapidly being used.    Coarse vermiculite is used on the
 bottom of flats for those seeds that require peat pots.   It gives a
 buffer in case the roots escape into the bottom of the pot.  Coarse
 vermiculite is also good for some bulb starting.
     I also use equal amounts of vermiculite and  seeds in small
 containers  for those things that don't need light to germinate.
     But then you'll still need some perlite.   Mix perlite into your
 soil mix for seeds that need super fast draining seed starting medium.
     Karen, you're going to use both vermiculite and perlite.  Hope you
 have storage room.
 Best, Vicki
 
 >
 
 > >
 > > I made an *oops* last week when ordering bulk growing mediums and
 > accidently
 > > ordered a 30 lb bag of vermiculite, instead of the wanted perlite.
 > I'm
 > > wondering if I should re-order the correct perlite, or use out the
 > > vermiculite. What are the thoughts and preferences of the List?
 
  >>
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