Vermiculite – you probably hear that term tossed around quite a bit among garden websites . ‘ tote up some vermiculite to your soil , ’ ‘ plant in vermiculite , ’ ‘ do n’t apply too much vermiculite,’etc . But what exactly is this strange sounding horticulture mathematical product and how is it used ?
What is vermiculite
Vermiculite is an umbrella term throw to hydrous laminar minerals – aluminum - iron atomic number 12 silicates – for example . It has an appearance similar to the born stone mica , which is a muscovite . It is commonly institute in garden ground , appear like white or off - whitened , crunchy little pebbles in the soil . It is acceptable for use in anorganic garden .
What does vermiculite do
In the context of garden grime , vermiculite avail increase water retentiveness and keeps nutrients in the territory longer . It also aerates the territory , which is of import for not just your plants but for the filth biome as a whole . Your dirt may face thick , but it ’s actually 20 - 30 % air ! charged ground is lively to healthy plant growth and grime biome . It is especially helpful for plants that consume a mountain of water .
How to use it
Vermiculite has tons of unlike uses . We ’ve already discussed why we add up it to pot land , but that ’s not where the magic finish . It can be used as a grow medium for flora that consume a lot of potassium , calcium , and magnesium – it will take in these nutrients and hold onto them for the plant .
It can also be used for root cuttings . Simply plant your root into a medium grade vermiculite and water thoroughly . Similarly , new bulb and other root crops can be started in vermiculite . Tomatoes and rose do well went started in vermiculite .
It does n’t just have garden America ! you’re able to also lend it to newly seed lawns to serve retain wet and key nutrients for the sizable growth of your green goddess sprouts .
you may also practice it as a substrate if call forth insects , like cricket . It will help soak up and retain any moisture and humidity in the container you use .
It has tons of different use for the lawn and garden , it ’s really not one of those thing you should fall on when starting your garden .
Is it safe?
There have been some health concerns recently with vermiculite , but most gardener believe that the vermiculite you buy for horticulture is dead safe . There is no grounds at this meter that vermiculite enjoyment in the garden results in either penetrating or continuing toxicity or health problems of any kind .
Where to buy vermiculite
Vermiculite is a very common gardening intersection and can be easily regain in most horticulture stores . you could also shop for it online and have it shipped directly to you .
