How do I fluff up my soil?

Bugeye

Bugeye

Well-Known Member
Large chunk perlite, don't mess with the small stuff, it will break down into smaller chunks over time. The big chunks are what you need for good aeration.
 
ryeguy

ryeguy

Well-Known Member
Peat moss and worm castings. Perlite helps drains your soil. Peat moss and worm castings break it down. Mix it very well.

This is all you need to do ol son
 
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Med68w

Med68w

Well-Known Member
Perlite holds water? I’ve been working under the assumption that it ariates the soil.
 
ryeguy

ryeguy

Well-Known Member
Bugeye said:
Nope, perlite holds water, very porous.
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Nope, perlite, the misunderstood mineral. perlite is a form of glass; specifically a volcanic glass that is mined and then heated in big ovens until it 'pops' into a round, white material that's used in seed-starting and potting mixtures to “lighten” the soil, allow more air around the roots of plants and to both help retain water and improve drainage.

It’s a 2 way road and a road you need.
 
Michael Huntherz

Michael Huntherz

Well-Known Member
ryeguy said:
Nope, perlite, the misunderstood mineral. perlite is a form of glass; specifically a volcanic glass that is mined and then heated in big ovens until it 'pops' into a round, white material that's used in seed-starting and potting mixtures to “lighten” the soil, allow more air around the roots of plants and to both help retain water and improve drainage.

It’s a 2 way road and a road you need.
Click to expand...
Dropping knawledge!


But seriously, you are correct sir. OP, pay heed.
 
hillbill

hillbill

Well-Known Member
NAPA 8822 floor dry provides retention on nutes and moisture but perlite absorbs little water and that is held in the porous irregular surface. I have used both for years.
 
Oogsi

Oogsi

Member
Hold up I thought vermiculite holds water and perlite holds air , I use both for mushroom growing , I also add it to my soil for my plants about 2 parts soil and one part 50/50 Vermiculite and perlite
 
hillbill

hillbill

Well-Known Member
Replacing vermiculite with NAPA floor dry part#8822 has worked here for about 5 or 6 years and I prefer it. Provides both drainage and retention of water. Good stuff. Made from DE!
 
Oogsi

Oogsi

Member
I use river sand more than perlite because it’s free and it’s got silica in it too , I fluff up my soil with a bit of wire bent in a u shape by sticking it in the soil and turning it and stabbing and lifting the soil carefully hopefully not damaging roots seems to work well as long as the plant is a few weeks old and your not too rough , if you use flexible pots you can also squeeze the pot which makes air gaps in the soil
 
hillbill

hillbill

Well-Known Member
River sand might not be the best depending on source. Some slower rivers yield vmore rounded grains from water erosion and tumbling. Drainage is not good in this sand. Lucky here to have sharp limestone and chert and shale gravel and sharp sand after each heavy rain. Inside perlite handles easier due to weight. Perlite holds very little moisture as it is held only on exterior pores.
 
Oogsi

Oogsi

Member
Dunno what kinda riversand you guys have over there but the sand here is awesome it’s full of silica and it’s not pourous but it creates gaps in the soil I usually mix it about 1 part sand to 2 parts organic compost
 
B

Beachwalker

Well-Known Member
ryeguy said:
Nope, perlite, the misunderstood mineral. perlite is a form of glass; specifically a volcanic glass that is mined and then heated in big ovens until it 'pops' into a round, white material that's used in seed-starting and potting mixtures to “lighten” the soil, allow more air around the roots of plants and to both help retain water and improve drainage.

It’s a 2 way road and a road you need.
Click to expand...
.. this is a beautiful omage to Perlite!:clap:
 
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