Horticultural Organic Vermiculite by GARDENERA – Medium Grade – Natural Soil Additive for Potted Plants – Orchids – Hydroponics – Terrariums (1 Quart)

Price: $9.99
(as of Dec 31, 2023 21:03:17 UTC – Details)

Product Description

The basics of Vermiculite pellets are:

Vermiculite is an odorless, fireproof mineral substance. Along with another naturally occurring substance, perlite, it’s often added to potting soil. Vermiculite provides many benefits. These include:

Non-toxic Truly organic Sterile Odorless Will not deteriorate Neutral pH of 7 Comes in a variety of sizes based on need

What is Vermiculite Gardening?

Everything you need to know about using vermiculite with your plants and in your Garden.

Every gardener knows that water and air are an essential component of growing vigorous, healthy plants. However, many gardens and soil mixes don’t have the necessary constituents to ensure the healthy growth of plants.

What is Vermiculite? Vermiculite is a mineral (aluminum-iron, magnesium), which is mined and processed into granules that may be mixed into the soil to aid in aeration and drainage as well as adding often needed nutrients to the soil.

Improves aeration: It loosens the soil so roots can more easily reach down and grow through the soil. Enhances drainage: Vermiculite soaks up water like a sponge. It holds that water until the soil starts to dry out then releases it. This is good for moisture loving plants. Adds permanent soil conditioner: Unlike compost, which eventually breaks down into the soil, vermiculite doesn’t break down. Slightly raises pH: Vermiculite is pH neutral, around 7.0 or so, but because of some compounds found within it, it can slightly raise pH, a plus for acidic soils. Makes other minerals available: Vermiculite naturally reacts with soil compounds and makes available other nutrients such as calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Using Vermiculite

Organic Vermiculite by GARDENERA is the ideal substrate for growing seedlings, providing them with the moisture and sir they need to thrive.

You can add your vermiculite directly to flowerbeds in the garden, or use it as an amendment in potting soils. Adding vermiculite to the spoil mix improves moisture retention and aeration of the soil, allowing for the rapid growth of the plant’s roots.

It’s common for garden centers and nurseries to include the use of perlite in soil mixes. Vermiculite offers the gardeners the same properties, but with better moisture retention. While vermiculite may not provide as much aeration to the roots of the plant, it’s the top-choice soil amendment where moisture retention is a concern.

Add vermiculite to soil for conditioning and lightening either alone or in conjunction with peat or compost. This will accelerate the growth and promote anchorage for tender young root systems. Using vermiculite as growing medium will also enable the plant to more easily absorb the ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium necessary for vigorous growth.

Medium grade vermiculite can be used directly for root cuttings. Just water thoroughly and insert the cutting up to the node.

Use vermiculite alone or mixed with soil or peat for seed germination. This will allow seeds to germinate more rapidly. If vermiculite is used without soil, feed the seedlings a weak fertilizer solution of 1 tablespoon (15 mL.) of soluble fertilizer per 1 gallon (4 L.) of water once the first leaves appear. Damping off is thwarted since vermiculite is sterile and the seedlings are easily removed without damage to the roots.

Vermiculite mixed half and half with soil, peat, or compost eliminates packed down soil in flower pots and houseplant containers while allowing excellent aeration, reducing watering frequency and allowing root spread.

To transplant using vermiculite, dig a hole 6 inches (15 cm.) larger than the plants roots. Fill in with a mix of vermiculite and the removed topsoil. Again, this allows for root spread, provides moisture control, and protects the roots from drying out due to sun or wind. 3 inches (8 cm.) of vermiculite can also be used as mulch around shrubs and other garden plants like roses, dahlias, and tomatoes.

Place bulbs or root crops in a container and pour the vermiculite around them.

Even newly seeded lawns can benefit from an application of vermiculite. Mix 3 cubic feet (91 cm.) of vermiculite per 100 square feet (30 m².), seed, then cover the entire area with ¼ inch (6 mm.) of vermiculite. Water in with a fine spray. The vermiculite will hasten germination and increase the number of seeds that germinate while maintaining moisture and protecting from drying and heat.

Lastly, vermiculite can be used when arranging flowers. Fill the container with vermiculite, thoroughly saturate with water, pour off the excess, and arrange the flowers. This eliminates the need to change the water, eliminates spills, and keeps blooms fresh for days. Just be sure to use horticultural vermiculite and not that sold for house insulation– it is treated to repel water!

I Know I Can Use Vermiculite Directly In My Garden And To Start Seeds, Are There Other Beneficial Uses?

Vermiculite is actually a versatile garden and landscaping staple to have on hand. While its most popular use is either to start seeds or add to our potting mix, the benefits of having it on hand for other lawn and garden uses may surprise you.

I Would Like To Try Starting My Garden Seeds In Vermiculite. Can I Do That?

THE ANSWER IS “YES”

Vermiculite is a great way to start seeds with or without mixing with potting soil. Vermiculite is particularly good for a faster germination when starting seeds. Whether used alone or mixed with potting soil, vermiculite aids in anchoring tender root systems as well as helping your young plants better absorb the following critical nutrients:

CalciumMagnesiumPotassiumAmmonium

If you find yourself wanting to experiment with other ways to use your Vermiculite.

Mix Vermiculite with your lawn seed for newly seeded lawns to promote seed germination at a ratio of 3 cubic feet of Vermiculite to 100 square feet of lawn seed. Follow with an additional ¼ inch coverage of Gardenera Vermiculite and water the area lightly. Overwinter your root crops and bulbs in Vermiculite. Place them in a container and pour Vermiculite over them, layering as needed. The Vermiculite will absorb excess moisture. Use Vermiculite in flower arrangements by filling the vase with Vermiculite, pouring water over it and arrange the flowers. Vermiculite will reduce the need to change the water in your arrangements. Add Vermiculite to your worm bin. If you use worms for composting, adding Vermiculite to their bin or your compost, will help provide the worms with much needed grit to digest their food.

Other Uses for Vermiculite

SUCCULENT TERRARIUM

1. Create a base layer of vermiculite to help with water drainage.

2. Add a layer of cactus potting soil.

3. Carefully place succulents and secure with soil.

4. Finish with stones and moss, if desired.

GROWING MUSHROOMS AT HOME

Vermiculite is a water-absorbing material used to retain moisture in mushroom substrates used for growing edible mushrooms.

Vermiculite is a porous, inert substance that we will use to maintain moisture content inside the cases and provide space for the mycelium to grow.

PF Tek uses Vermiculite and Brown Rice flour (or sawdust and Brown rice flour) – this is the easiest method to learn how to grow mushrooms and many types work this way.

REPTILE BREEDING & TERRARIUMS

Choosing the right incubation media could be the difference between successful and failed hatches of captive bred reptiles. Vermiculite and perlite are two of the most commonly used incubation substrates across virtually all reptile breeders.

Helps to keep the eggs firmly in place to resist being repositioned or rotated when the incubation container is moved.

Vermiculite is a better choice for most tropical reptile species that need higher humidity levels to prevent the egg from drying too fast. Be cautious of too much moisture when using any incubation media as it can cause more harm than good.

💞 NATURAL CONDITIONER — Reacts With Soil To Release Essential Nutrients
🎈 AERATES SOIL — Creates Space for Plant Roots to Expand and Grow
💧 BETTER DRAINAGE — Porosity of Vermiculite Allows Excess Water to Drain Away From Roots
🚫 DOES NOT BREAK DOWN — Lasts Longer in Potting Mixes Than Other Additives