Perlite alternative

Nope.
I have used bean bag filling though and that is just as good and a lot cheaper...................

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/2914...ICEP3.0.0-L&ff14=122&viphx=1&ops=true&ff13=80

 

Just the same!

 

I've never felt the need to use perlite, tend to think, and maybe its just me, that its poncing around..

Often use sharp sand to open up mutipurpose and improve drainage, sometimes sharp grit.

 

I use sharp sand in my large containers to keep the drainage a little better . In my baskets 14" round and cone , I use a 20% Perlite mix with MPC to keep the mix a little more open. Seems to work fine. For the amount I use a 10 litre bag from Wilkos just about does a season.

 

I'm not being difficult

But what exactly do you mean when you say it didn't work as well?

My main problem in summer is usually trying to get the compost to hold more water, not less.
I only use sand on long term plants that might stand outside over the winter, or plants that grow naturally in drier climates than ours.

As I said, I dont really understand what perlite does.

 

I use bean bag filling (instead of perlite) for a few things;

• 50/50 with mpc for cuttings. Especially good for Impatiens.
• As part of the mix for tender potted bulbs.
• Gloriosa tubers sat in a pocket of perlite don't rot.
• Seedling trays/pots. It makes it easy to separate them without root damage.
• General improvement of aeration of potting medium.

Now I do admit that I may be guilty of poncing about but so far so good and all that