growing medium

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by miraflores, Sep 19, 2019.

  1. miraflores

    miraflores Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2006
    Messages:
    5,484
    Location:
    mean daily minimum temperatures -1 -2
    Ratings:
    +2,389
    What can be used as a substitute for Perlite and Sphagnum as a growing medium?
     
  2. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2019
    Messages:
    48,096
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +100,834
    I take it by that, Miraflores, you mean in pots and containers? I rarely use either unless I have a specific plant that needs it as a growing mediu. I normally use 5 parts General Purpose (Peat added) Compost, 3 parts coarse sand, and two parts grit...........works for me:dunno::heehee:
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Mike Allen

      Mike Allen Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Jan 4, 2014
      Messages:
      2,861
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired. Plant Pathologist.
      Location:
      Eltham. SE. London
      Ratings:
      +6,097
      Perlite is used as a water retentive and aerater. Have you thought about using coir? There are many alternatives. What do you wish to grow?
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        47,718
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +84,360
        I've never used perlite, overpriced rubbish :biggrin:
         
        • Friendly Friendly x 1
        • ARMANDII

          ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

          Joined:
          Jan 12, 2019
          Messages:
          48,096
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +100,834
          See!!, there you go again, pete, never saying what you think, always sitting on that fence.:wallbanging::dunno:
           
          • Funny Funny x 2
          • Friendly Friendly x 1
          • CarolineL

            CarolineL Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Jun 12, 2016
            Messages:
            1,597
            Gender:
            Female
            Occupation:
            Retired Software engineer
            Location:
            Rural Carmarthenshire
            Ratings:
            +4,304
            IMHO Perlite is great for some cuttings - they take very quickly in it. I used to use it in pots but found that it ended up near the surface and then washed off. Now I use grit - very cheap. I do use expanded white volcanic rock (like perlite but much bigger and heavier) as part of my orchid compost though.
             
            • Like Like x 3
            • longk

              longk Total Gardener

              Joined:
              Nov 24, 2011
              Messages:
              11,381
              Location:
              Oxfordshire
              Ratings:
              +23,089
              What are you looking to grow?
               
              • Like Like x 1
              • ricky101

                ricky101 Total Gardener

                Joined:
                Jun 15, 2016
                Messages:
                3,273
                Gender:
                Male
                Location:
                Sheffield
                Ratings:
                +4,184
                Also depends on what you are growing ?
                Sphagnum is often used in things like orchids where moisture retention is required.
                 
                • Like Like x 1
                • miraflores

                  miraflores Total Gardener

                  Joined:
                  Apr 16, 2006
                  Messages:
                  5,484
                  Location:
                  mean daily minimum temperatures -1 -2
                  Ratings:
                  +2,389
                  It would be for growing plants from seeds or rooting of cuttings.
                   
                  • Like Like x 1
                  Loading...

                  Share This Page

                  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                    Dismiss Notice