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Whether you're new to container gardening or have been growing herbs this way for years, you know that nutrient-rich soil is the foundation for plant growth. If you want to improve your waste, consider vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral. Vermiculite can improve your soil or be used in a homemade soilless potting mix. Either way, the mineral improves the health of your pot and creates a nutrient-rich, well-drained growing environment, but standard potting soil is too dense for potted vegetables.
We contacted several growing experts to find out how to use vermiculite. Get expert-approved tips on how to effectively grow plants in vermiculite-based soil, plus learn about its other uses and when to use it instead of perlite.
Related: How to determine your soil type and the best types of flowers and plants to grow in each.
What is vermiculite?
Vermiculite is a minute natural mineral that looks like little brown flakes; According to Nigg Jabbur of SavvyGardening.com and author of Cover Growing, it's commonly used as an ingredient in soilless growing mixes. "After manufacturing, vermiculite becomes a lightweight material when heated," Jabbar says. "These golden flakes hold and release water and nutrients, which is why vermiculite is valued as part of a soil mix."
Why is vermiculite used in soilless clay mixes?
Gardeners, if you want to make your own soil mix, this mineral should be on your radar. It's particularly effective in soil for container gardens or houseplants, Jaber says. "Vermiculite retains moisture and nutrients, improves soil structure, and adds softness to light growing mixes," she says.
This makes their soil light and fluffy, according to Gene Myers, a North Carolina horticultural development agent. Pure garden soil is too dense for potting soil and does not support adequate airflow like vermiculite-based soil.
How to use vermiculite as a soilless potting mix
Commercial potting mixes usually contain vermiculite, but you can grow plants in this astral mineral mix. "I typically mix 2 gallons of peat or heartwood with 1 gallon of vermiculite, 1 gallon of perlite, and 1 gallon of compost," Jabar says. "I also add a cup of whole wheat fertilizer."
Yabor likes this recipe for several reasons: "It's a nutrient-rich, well-drained growing medium with vermiculite and perlite that's light and airy and holds water well," she says. "This mix is perfect for flowers and vegetables, as well as starting seeds." If you're using garbanzo beans instead of garbanzo beans, he says, add 1/4 cup of lime powder. Pea moss and lime increase plant growth by increasing the acidity of the pH.
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Other uses of vermiculite
In addition to using vermiculite as a soilless potting mix, this mineral can have other uses in the garden.
ball storage
In winter, vermiculite can be used to store flower bulbs. "Delicate bulbs like gladioli, dahlias, and ears of corn won't overwinter outside my zone 5 garden," says Jabar. "So I have to pick them in the fall and store them for the winter."
To care for these plants, carefully wait until they die back naturally before digging up the bulbs or stems from the ground; Then store it in a cool, dark, and humid place. It is important to store the bulbs or tubes in stable conditions (40 to 50 degrees) because excessive temperatures can cause rot or damage. “I use cardboard boxes or large planters to winterize bulbs and stems,” says Jabor. "I add a few inches of vermiculite and carefully lower the bulb or tube material into the material."
From there, cover the bulbs or tubes with plenty of vermiculite and cover the container with plastic wrap to allow adequate air circulation. It is important to check the bulbs and tubes monthly to determine the moisture level of the material. If the pipes look wrinkled, Jaber recommends spraying them with water. And if the vermiculite is wet, he recommends placing a plastic lid on the box to dry the vermiculite.
root pruning
Gardeners can plant houseplants, annuals, and perennials in vermiculite, where they develop new roots. "For annuals like geraniums or coleus, I cut the stem to 3 to 4 inches long just below the node [the part of the stem where the leaves appear]," says Jabar. "I remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in a 4" diameter container filled with moist vermiculite.'
It can be complemented with a transparent plastic bag to retain moisture. Place it in a bright place, but away from direct sunlight. "Depending on the type of plant, it will start to form new roots within two weeks," Jabbour says. "After two weeks, gently pull on the cutting, and if you feel resistance, it can take root." Growers can continue to strengthen rooted cuttings by transplanting them into pots with potting mix and preparing them for outdoor growth.
perlite vs. vermiculite
Another mineral compared to vermiculite is perlite, an underground igneous rock. "Perlite is better than Styrofoam pellets that are heated before using on fruits and vegetables," says Jaber. "The parlite is the white, usually spherical particle that we see in soil mixes."
The perlite surface allows water to permeate, allowing plants to store more moisture. Lightweight perlite is often used in potting mixes to help with aeration and drainage.
When to use Perlite vs. vermiculite
Perlite and vermiculite are used in potting mixes, and both minerals can be used to plant cuttings. Jaber says that perlite is better for propagating plants because it's lightweight. However, since this mineral can be easily added to the soil, use vermiculite to grow your seeds. "It also retains moisture, which is essential for most flower and vegetable seeds," he says. Regardless of the material you use, since both are dusty, Jaber recommends wearing a mask when working with these minerals.
