Adding Perlite to tubs and containers.

I have decided that I am going to do this, my tubs mostly are filled with a mix of 3:2 multi purpose & J.I.No.3 but given the very wet weather that we have I am thinking that this would be a good idea to help with the drainage. On the Perlite bag it suggests a mix of 1 in 5 so I thought I would measure a fifth of the way down the container, remove that amount of soil and replace it with Perlite then mix it all up!! I have just ordered 100 litres of the stuff on ebay to get me started, anyone else do this?

Thought I would add this in here as well as the thread is about Perlite, this shows you can root cuttings very successfully using just perlite and water, brilliant I am going to try it.
http://users.breathe.com/collingreenhough/Fuchsia_Cutting.htm


Val

 

Well, that looks straightforward and an inexpensive experiment Val. I think I'll give it a go,
thanks,
Jenny

 

I always add perlite to my compost mixes too in the autumn and winter as it aids drainage.

I nearly always use a small grade perlite in my cutting compost mixes too

 

I use it for potting on, really helps stop compost getting compacted. Hopefully my hanging baskets will be better next year as a result!

 

I use it too, and I use the fine grade. I did buy some from a Hydroponics store, as it was cheaper, but that turned out to be relativity coarse and I had to use more to get the same effect, which negated any saving!!, and it was too coarse for cuttings / seedlings.

I think the grade I use is 1-3mm, rather than 1-5mm

 

That's what I ordered, thanks Kristen I was wondering if this would be too fine!!

Val