Perlite or Vermiculite

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fatbelly

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Perlite or Vermiculite
« on: October 28, 2014, 12:02 »
Hi all,
I'm getting my seed order etc ready for next season & I intend to sow & propagate far more cuttings etc.

Which is best to use for seeds, cuttings & mixing with compost, Perlite or Vermiculite ? What's the difference between them both?

Thnaks
99% Organic and 1% Slug Pellets.

Allotment holder since 27th May 2007.

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Kevin67

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Re: Perlite or Vermiculite
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2014, 12:10 »
I did do quite some reading about perlite and vermiculite some years ago but I'm sorry to say I've quite forgotten - primarily because I have found I don't need them at all, especially at the cost they are.

I understand, and I may be corrected, it helps to provide a low-nutrient medium while retaining some moisture and nutrients within their hollow structures.

Now I use 5% worm casts with shredded paper (with those plastic windows included) in 2mm sifted compost and I get a great rate of propagation.

For growing on I use 10% worm poo, and for big feeders 15%.

Why don't you have a side-by-side trial of with perlite/vermiculite and without and see what suits you best?
250m2 grow area + 20' x 10' pt - avid fruit grower
Cheap as chips, diy preferred
Will swap root cuttings etc

"There comes a point where Mother nature just says no, without a lot of electricity." Quote Beesrus

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fatbelly

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Re: Perlite or Vermiculite
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2014, 12:22 »
Hi Kevin,
I think your idea about doing a side by side test is a good one, I've just googled this & on Youtube a Man from Ireland sowed some seeds in did 50% Perlite & compost, 50% Vermiculite & Compost and all Compost.

He said there was very little difference between the 50/50 mixes of Perlite/compost & Vermiculite/ compost. But they both did better than a 100% compost on its own.

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Kristen

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Re: Perlite or Vermiculite
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2014, 12:39 »
I cover light / fine seeds with a thin layer of Perlite, particularly if they are slow germinating (as it helps reduce green muck growing on the surface).  I can't think of any Veg seeds that are slow germinating (nor "fine as dust") so may be a moot point for veg seed.

When potting on I mix 10% (by volume) Perlite with Multi Purpose Compost as it holds the compost open - otherwise it compacts by the time the plant is potted on. I find this improves drainage, air within the rootball, and growth of young seedlings.

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moose

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Re: Perlite or Vermiculite
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2014, 16:17 »
There have been previous posts on the subject. Here is a link

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=99797.0



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