[Kleftiwallah]

Are they worth the expence ?
Cheers,  Tony.

[Goosegirl]

It depends on what you want them for. Perlite helps with drainage but vermiculite has the capacity to take in water meaning you don't have to water as often.

[sunshineband]

I do use vermiculite to "lighten" compost for seed sowing and for seedlings, as it holds water well too, making for more even supply to plants

Perlite I find blows about a bit from the surface of plants outside hardening off, and is less effective at maintaining even levels of water