Perlite, or...?

 Would someone please remind me -- I don't remember the thread--  where
an alternative to Perlite was suggested.
I have to shop for a soil "lightening"element, and there was a reason
given why the alternative was better.

TIA

HB

 
Vermiculite and Perlite. You can google both and see if ether one meets
your needs. I prefer Vermiculite and I buy it large five gallon bags. I
find the smaller bags tend be a fine grain to be expensive and useless. I
prefer the larger grain that is typically found in larger bags. Perlite may
be better for small pots and Vermiculite is probably better for larger
containers.

Vermiculite and Perlite are light in weight however they are typically used
for retaining water in pots.

To lighten the soil, I prefer "Sphagnum Peat Moss" and cost a lot less
money.

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R  (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

 
Thanks, Nad.  There WAS a third alternative mentioned -- something
about volcanic?  Not sure.

HB

 
Perlite is from volcanic glass.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-vermiculite-and-perlite.htm

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R  (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)

 

"Higgs Boson"  wrote in message

Would someone please remind me -- I don't remember the thread--  where
an alternative to Perlite was suggested.
I have to shop for a soil "lightening"element, and there was a reason
given why the alternative was better.

TIA

HB
====

If it was about breathing the dust, probably all of perlite, vermiculite &
peat are bad (I think I read peat can contain a fungus). Don your dust mask
& wet whatever you use thoroughly first.