perlite and vermiculite

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noshed

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perlite and vermiculite
« on: April 28, 2007, 22:13 »
I've been using both as mixes in GP compost for seed sowing and pricking out. What is the difference in practice? As far as I can see you can use them interchangeably except vermiculite seems a bit better for covering small seeds.
Anyone got any opinions?
Self-sufficient in rasberries and bindweed. Slug pellets can be handy.

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richyrich7

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2007, 22:27 »
I tend to use vermiculite for sowing seeds by using mixed into the growing medium,or as the covering for seeds, and I also sow seeds in 100% vermiculite. Good for cuttings too.

Perlite I use for mixing into a growing medium, but I don't usually bother to be honest.

Both are inert and sterile, perlite is neutral pH and tends to last longer in the soil.
He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever.

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shaun

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #2 on: April 29, 2007, 07:46 »
ive only used vermiculite £3 from wilkos for a big bag full,
never thought about the difference though good question noshed
for mixing in the compost i use a handfull of fish tank gravel.
feed the soil not the plants
organicish
you learn gardening by making mistakes

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noshed

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #3 on: April 29, 2007, 22:07 »
i've run out of vermiculite so I'm off to Wilkos, much to the bemusement of my Turkish neighbour - but he doesn't like Marmite so what does he know?

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WG.

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #4 on: April 29, 2007, 22:12 »
Quote from: "noshed"
he doesn't like Marmite so what does he know?
I've converted to Vegemite.  I love Marmite too but the vegemite jars are perfect for my spice collection in the kitchen.  Reckon I do prefer vegemite actually.

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richyrich7

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« Reply #5 on: April 29, 2007, 22:12 »
How can you not like Marmite  :?

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shaun

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #6 on: April 29, 2007, 22:15 »
theres not manythings i dont like but marmite is one of them

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Trillium

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #7 on: April 29, 2007, 23:47 »
The only good place for Marmite is a spoonful in a pot of stew. Otherwise, ugh!

As for vermiculite and perlite, I find the latter a lot more expensive and the pellets a bit larger. Personally, I find them interchangeable in potting mixes, but go with the vermiculite since I can afford more of it. Either vermiculite or sand on top of new seedlings keeps the soil softer for seedling sprouting and discourages damping off fungus.

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jackiestagg

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #8 on: April 30, 2007, 10:19 »
I asked the RHS this one because I didn't know. Vermiculite has layers and holds water while not being soggy so is very good for seedlings etc to get air to them without them drying up and for covering seeds while you wait for them to germinate. But it breaks up after a while so is not good for permanent planting. Perlite is expanded volcanic rock and is full of holes so lets water drain through, so is better for pots of e.g. herbs and alpines which need to be dryer when mature plants. Also because it is rock it stays stable so is more for long term use and is a lightweight substitute for grit. So now we know. Why it doesn't explain on the packets I have no idea.

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noshed

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #9 on: April 30, 2007, 16:25 »
Thanks for that

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GrannieAnnie

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« Reply #10 on: April 30, 2007, 16:32 »
I hate Marmite!!!!!!  but OH loves the stuff!!!!!!

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Salkeela

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #11 on: April 30, 2007, 17:07 »
Never use perlite, nor vermiculite and hate marmite....

.... but marmalade is good stuff!  (Especially with bacon  :wink: )
Sally (N.Ireland) Organic as far as I know!

Plant plenty.  Celebrate success.  (Let selective memory deal with the rest.)

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Heather_S

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #12 on: April 30, 2007, 19:38 »
Not really a vegetable thing but I've read that certain species of Aloe do not like perlite in their soil mix so I was using vermiculite for my cactus and succulent mixes. Now I use whatever's on hand unless I'm specifically dealing with an aloe plant.
I think vermiculite is better for topping your seed plugs/pots than perlite but that's just personal preference and vermiculite is easier to power to a finer grade for smaller seeds.
wistfully hoping to one day be mostly organic gardener in North London.

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leeky

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #13 on: April 30, 2007, 21:12 »
you gotta be tough to enjoy Marmite, thats why I love it   :D  :lol:  :wink:

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richyrich7

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perlite and vermiculite
« Reply #14 on: April 30, 2007, 21:16 »
Yeah I like licking it off the knife after I've made the sandwiches  :oops:



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