Vermiculite - 10L

We're all aware that plants need soil aeration, nutrients, and water to flourish. If you discover deficiencies in any or all of these aspects in your garden soil, there's a solution for enhancing soil structure: vermiculite.

What exactly is vermiculite, and how does its use as a growing medium benefit the soil?

Vermiculite refers to a group of hydrated laminar minerals (aluminum-iron magnesium silicates).

Horticultural vermiculite undergoes extensive heat treatment, expanding it into accordion-shaped pellets comprised of multiple layers of thin plates.

It possesses enduring qualities, being resistant to rot, deterioration, mold, and is characterized by its odorless, non-toxic, and sterile nature.

While vermiculite typically maintains a neutral pH of 7.0, its alkalinity may vary depending on its global source.

Lightweight and easily blendable with other mediums, vermiculite comes in various sizes and is commonly used in gardening.

It can be integrated into potting soil or utilized separately in four different sizes to enhance soil aeration and serve as a growing medium for seed germination, with smaller sizes preferred for the latter purpose.

Incorporating vermiculite into garden soil or potting mixes enhances water and nutrient retention while improving soil aeration, fostering the growth of healthier, more vigorous plants.

While perlite is another common ingredient in potting soils, vermiculite surpasses it in water retention capabilities.

Despite being less aerating compared to perlite, vermiculite is preferred for plants that thrive in moist conditions.

 Features & Benefits - 

• Soil Conditioning and Lightening: Mix vermiculite into soil either alone or with peat or compost. This helps accelerate plant growth and provides better support for young roots.

• Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Using vermiculite as a growing medium helps plants absorb essential nutrients like ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium more effectively, promoting vigorous growth.

• Root Cuttings: Use medium-grade vermiculite directly for root cuttings. Water thoroughly and insert the cutting up to the node.

• Seed Germination: Use vermiculite alone or mixed with soil or peat for seed germination. This speeds up seed germination. If using vermiculite without soil, feed seedlings a weak fertilizer solution once the first leaves appear.

• Improved Potted Soil: Mix vermiculite half and half with soil, peat, or compost to prevent soil compaction in flower pots and houseplant containers. This improves aeration, reduces watering frequency, and allows root spread.

• Transplanting: Dig a hole larger than the plant's roots and fill with a mix of vermiculite and removed topsoil. This aids root spread, controls moisture, and protects roots from sun or wind damage.

• Mulching: Use 3 inches of vermiculite as mulch around shrubs, roses, dahlias, and tomatoes to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

• Bulbs and Root Crops: Place bulbs or root crops in a container and surround them with vermiculite to absorb excess moisture and prevent rot or mildew.

• Seeding Lawns: Mix vermiculite with seeds and spread over the lawn. This speeds up germination, maintains moisture, and protects seeds from drying and heat.

• Flower Arrangements: Fill a container with vermiculite, saturate with water, and arrange flowers. This eliminates the need for water changes, prevents spills, and keeps blooms fresh for longer. Make sure to use horticultural vermiculite, not insulation vermiculite, which repels water.