coir/perlite/vermiculite

hi im new to gardening so im abit green lol.I just got some musa velutina seeds to try to germinate{first time i ever done this}.On the insructions it says sow directly into a mix of compost and coir or perlite/vermiculite.Can any one tell me what coir orperlite/vermiculite is please thanx

 

here's some info...
http://www.schundler.com/hort.htm

coir is, I think, from coconuts, and usually I use it as matting, sometimes as a hanging basket liner. I principally use perlite mixed with the cmpost for better drainage, and vermiculite I mostly use as a cover for seeds, rather than more compost.

Hope that helps!
Oh, and you can easily get the stuff from garden centres, and places like B+Q

 

thanx mate i work next door to b&g so im going tommorow thanx

 

Just use a multipurpose compost daz and debs, the coir is made from coconut waste and perlite and vermiculite are both additions to compost in order to lighten or help drainage.
Its all a bit technical and not worth bothering with unless your into growing specific types of plant.
You'll probably need a high temp to germinate musa velutina, and its not really a good time of the year, what with the days getting shorter, but good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

Pete shall i noy bother then using perlite mate? literaly just compost

 

If you're careful not to over-water you will be fine with just compost. Perlite improves drainage.

 

That's really interesting Marley. I wonder if it is infact the lack of nutrients & water, combined with a more fiberous mix, that promotes better root growth? I will give that a try!

 

Never heard of that MF - but I'll definitely try it out. :D

 

You could look in here;
http://tinyurl.com/y9coek and here http://tinyurl.com/yy5xkl