Sometimes “box stores” like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or Lowes will carry vermiculite. However, they tend to carry only small bags, and they are expensive. It's better to get them in larger quantities (3 or 4 cubic foot bags), which can sometimes be found at local nurseries or farm co-op stores.
Full Answer
Where to buy vermiculite in New York?
In Western NY, you can buy coarse vermiculite at BFG Garden Supply in Lancaster, NY. (1500 Commerce Pkway) $32.70 for 4 cubic foot. Home Depot now carries 2 cu ft bags of horticultural vermiculite (medium grade). Check out the on-line website. My local Home Depot stores now have it in stock.
Can you use vermiculite for hydroponics?
This is huge bag of vermiculite (4 cubic feet) that is a great supplement to plant media. It can be used both indoor or outdoor to improve the water retention of the soil or potting soil and can also be used with other combinations for a total soilless plant media for hydroponic gardening.
Can I order perlite at Home Depot?
1. Answer. Hello RiMia, Thank you for your recent inquiry about the 4 cu. ft. Perlite. This item is a Store Exclusive and is available for purchase in select stores only and unable to be ordered online. You may find it helpful to call or stop by your local Home Depot store to check availability.
Should I use vermiculite or perlite in pots?
I always mix in vermiculite in any potting medium to provide aeration and improve water drainage, similar to perlite but with the advantage of having some nutrient content, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Vermiculite can hold large quantities of air, water and nutrients releasing them as the plant requires.
Can I use perlite instead of vermiculite?
Perlite and vermiculite are both used to improve moisture retention and aeration in soil. They are used in a similar manner, but they are not interchangeable.15 Dec 2018
What can you use instead of vermiculite?
Alternatives to VermiculitePeat. Peat (also known as peat moss) is light and holds moisture well but not does not stay soggy. ... Coir. Coir is coconut dust. ... Perlite. Like vermiculite, perlite is an inorganic matter added to the garden to improve water drainage and permeability. ... Sawdust. ... Shredded Hardwood Bark or Wood Chips.
Why is it so hard to find vermiculite?
People have had problems finding vermiculite because of two reasons: In the early 1990's the W.R. Grace Company closed its mine in Libby, Montana and over 20 processing plants located across the country. As a result, there are many regions where there simply isn't a local vermiculite processing plant.
What is the difference between vermiculite and perlite?
Are vermiculite and perlite the same? Although it's a common misconception, vermiculite and perlite are not the same. Vermiculite is a silicate material that's brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock.
Can you use sand instead of vermiculite?
There is no reason to avoid using sand, unless you will be moving the containers frequently. Sand adds a considerable amount of weight but IMO does a better job at aeration than perlite/vermiculite.18 Mar 2009
How do you make homemade perlite?
How to Cast Homemade PerliteMix equal parts of dry cement, sphagnum peat moss and perlite in a bucket or other container. ... Mix in water a little at a time until the ingredients are thoroughly moist, but not wet.More items...
Do I need vermiculite in my garden?
Using plenty of vermiculite–or even straight vermiculite-can prevent bacterial and fungal problems such as damping off and root rot. Improves drainage and lightens the soil in the garden, in raised beds, or in pots.8 Nov 2018
What grade of vermiculite should I use?
Vermiculite comes in several grades For starting seeds and growing on seedlings, a fine or medium grade is best, with a coarse vermiculite being used in potting soil mixes for older plants.
Is vermiculite good for vegetable garden?
The answer is yes! Vermiculite is a great way to start seeds with or without mixing with potting soil. Vermiculite is particularly good for a faster germination when starting seeds.4 Apr 2020
What are the disadvantages of vermiculite?
Disadvantages of Vermiculite:Stays too wet.Bacteria and fungus thrive in the moist environment, and negatively affect any plants grown in it.Vermiculite is often expensive and difficult to find.Unsustainable.
Is vermiculite good for tomatoes?
of vermiculite can also be used as mulch around shrubs and other garden plants like roses, dahlias, and tomatoes. Place bulbs or root crops in a container and pour the vermiculite around them.14 Jan 2022
What does vermiculite do for plants?
Vermiculite helps to aerate soil while simultaneously retaining water and nutrients, which it then releases over time. Vermiculite is therefore useful in seed sowing and propagation. It can also be added to house plant compost.26 Feb 2021
How many bags of vermiculite do I need?
The simple rule of thumb is that 1 bag of Dupré vermiculite will cover 1 square metre to an approximate depth of 10cm. Bulk Bags of 1.2m3 and 2.2m3 are also available. Other packaging may be available on request.
How much vermiculite do I need for a square foot garden?
The lighter-than-dirt mixture used for square foot gardening is the following: 1/3 peat moss, 1/3 vermiculite and 1/3 compost. For a 3.5 cubic foot bag of vermiculite, on average you will spend $18.
What's the difference between perlite and vermiculite?
Perlite is a hard, highly porous material made by super-heating volcanic glass. Vermiculite retains more water and retains it for longer periods than perlite. Vermiculite affords slightly less aeration than perlite. For plants that thrive growing in a more-wet soil, vermiculite would do well as a potting soil additive.
How do I get rid of vermiculite in my attic?
To remove the vermiculite - I was going to follow those steps: Seal off the room with access to the attic. Dampen insulation and surroundings in the attic with water, to prevent at least some of the particles to become airborne. Fill bags with the loose (damp) insulation and remove them from the attic.
Can you eat vermiculite?
Today, most vermiculite is safe. However, that is not to say it cannot contain asbestos. Today, most vermiculite is safe. However, that is not to say it cannot contain asbestos.
When was vermiculite insulation banned?
From one-third to half of the vermiculite from the Libby mine was sold as attic insulation from the 1940s until 1984, when its sale by the company was discontinued.
Does Ace Hardware sell potting soil?
POTTING SOIL, TOP SOIL, GARDEN SOIL We sell soil by Ace, Scotts, Purple Cow, and Miracle Gro for all sizes and kinds of gardens. We also sell cypress mulch, pine mulch, and compost manure.
