Ecological restoration is a crucial technology for reconstructing eutrophic lake ecosystems, where the restoration and propagation of submerged plants are essential steps. This paper investigates the effect of vermiculite on the growth process of Vallisneria spiralis and sediment microenvironment. Vermiculite complements compost by enhancing its water-holding capacity and improving soil structure for better plant growth. The main benefits of adding vermiculite to soil include better water absorption, retention, and drainage, thereby regulating the amount of water available to plants.
Vermiculite’s ability to aerate and irrigate plants makes it an ideal planting medium. With better soil conditions, roots can grow more vigorously. It can even be added to the soil to promote photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, root growth, and transpiration. However, when the vermiculite content exceeds 20, it has no promotion effect on plant growth.
Vermiculite can absorb three or four times its weight in water and attract various plant nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients. It enhances soil for optimal plant growth, improving moisture retention, aeration, and nurturing healthy gardens. High water retention allows plants to absorb up to four times their volume in water, while excellent aeration promotes healthy root growth in plants. Vermiculite can also significantly improve soil aeration, allowing plants to grow better and retain necessary moisture.
However, due to its buffering capacity, vermiculite cannot be used as growth support to study the effect of acidity on nodulation and plant growth. A 3-year field experiment was carried out to assess the effects of vermiculite application rates on the growth and yield of Brassica napus.
In conclusion, vermiculite plays a significant role in ecological restoration, improving soil structure, water absorption, and promoting plant growth. By incorporating vermiculite into the soil, plants can thrive and thrive in their new environments.
📹 What is vermiculite? How to use Vermiculite in gardening?
What is vermiculite? How to use Vermiculite in gardening? Hello and welcome my friends. Hope you are well. Today, in this video …
Can you add too much vermiculite?
Vermiculite, a type of soil amendment, is a sponge that absorbs more water than perlite, resulting in less oxygen for plant roots. Overuse of vermiculite can lead to root rot or other fungally-caused plant diseases, which can be difficult to treat. It is also not suitable for plants that don’t require damp soil, such as coconut coir, peat moss, or worm castings. To maintain the right water retention, it is essential to consider the plants’ needs when choosing a potting soil. There are significant differences between vermiculite and perlite, making it crucial to choose the right one for your garden.
How does vermiculite affect plant growth?
Vermiculite is a soil aerator that retains water and nutrients, making it useful for seed sowing and propagation. It can be added to house plant compost and can be used in different grades. Seeds can be sown directly into 100% vermiculite or mixed with sowing compost. Covering the seed tray with vermiculite after sowing helps keep the compost moist, ward off damping fungus, and insulate against temperature and humidity changes in the greenhouse. A mixture containing around 30% vermiculite is ideal for pricking out and potting on seedlings and cuttings. Vermiculite flakes can be used in different grades for different purposes.
How much vermiculite per plant?
Vermiculite is a potent mineral that enhances soil quality in gardens and landscapes. It can be used in potting soil, raised beds, and composting. For new lawns, a 1/4 inch layer is spread after seeding and irrigated well. Vermiculite helps hold moisture near seeds, improving germination. It can also be used for storing bulbs and root crops over winter, retaining water without desiccating the roots or bulbs themselves. It can also be added to worm bins to provide grit for worms.
Vermiculite, derived from phyllosilicate minerals, is a porous material that aids in water retention, aeration, and nutrient exchange. Its expanded, porous structure is formed through extreme heat and pressure, and it has been rigorously tested for safety, ensuring it is free from asbestos. Vermiculite is a safe and lasting addition to garden soils.
Which is better, perlite or vermiculite?
Perlite and Vermiculite are similar products, but they have distinct differences. Vermiculite is better for water retention, retaining essential nutrients for plants and cuttings. It also aids drainage, loosening heavy, compacted soil. Perlite is ideal for clay soil, especially during winter months. Both products are suitable for potting mixes, organic gardening, and do not decompose in soil. Both are approved for use in a center, offering numerous benefits once added.
How much vermiculite to add to compost?
Vermiculite has been demonstrated to stimulate root growth, improve plant anchorage, and enhance nutrient uptake. Prior to inserting cuttings, it is essential to thoroughly water the vermiculite and avoid compressing it around the base. A 50/50 mixture is recommended for use with open benches or plastic covers. In the case of mist irrigation in the summer months, a ratio of 25:1 is advised.
What are the negative effects of vermiculite?
Vermiculite insulation in homes may be contaminated with asbestos, and it is crucial to protect yourself and your family from exposure. The EPA recommends leaving the insulation undisturbed to prevent airborne asbestos fibers from inhaling. If disturbed, you may inhale some asbestos fibers, which can have varying degrees of health risk depending on the amount and frequency of inhalation. If you choose to remove the insulation, it should be done by a trained and accredited asbestos abatement contractor, independent from the company that assessed the insulation. To learn more about asbestos, contact the EPA for asbestos risk evaluations, school buildings, building owners and managers, and state contacts.
What plants do not like vermiculite?
Vermiculite, a water-retaining material, may not be suitable for plants that require minimal moisture, such as cacti. It should not be used in conjunction with other water-retaining materials like coconut coir unless you are growing boggy plants. Perlite, a natural product made by heating volcanic glass, is often mistaken for Styrofoam in store-bought potting mix. Perlite grains are white, lightweight, and porous, and are added to potting mixes for aeration and improved drainage.
They improve soil drainage and aeration, break up compact soils, and boost air flow around plant roots. Perlite grains also have tiny holes and pockets that help hold onto water, preventing plant roots from drying out.
Should I mix vermiculite with potting soil?
Vermiculite is a popular soil additive for houseplants and garden plants that improves soil texture and helps grow healthy plants. It improves water absorption, retention, and drainage of the soil, regulating the amount of water available to plants. To make a soilless potting mix, mix four to six parts sphagnum peat moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite. Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral that is mined out of the ground, exfoliated, and treated with extreme heat and pressure. The resulting worm-like, curly, and sterile product can expand.
Which holds water better perlite or vermiculite?
Vermiculite is better for water retention and nutrient absorption, while perlite aids drainage and loosens heavy, compacted soil. Both are suitable for blending into potting mixes, are organically approved, and do not decompose in soil. They are ideal for clay soil and can be beneficial during winter months. Both products are available in our center and are part of a range of valuable products.
How much vermiculite to add to raised beds?
Vermiculite is a versatile garden and landscaping staple that can be used directly in raised beds, in-ground, and container gardening to enhance soil and neutralize pH. When mixed with soil at a ratio of ⅓ to ½, it eliminates packed down soil, provides moisture control, allows proper root spread, and helps with drainage. Vermiculite is not available in AZ, CA, HI, NV, and UT. It is also used to start seeds and add to potting mix, but its benefits extend to other lawn and garden uses. Experimenting with different ways to use Vermiculite can provide a more comprehensive and effective approach to gardening.
📹 Perlite vs Vermiculite
A quick comparison of perlite and vermiculite discussing some of their applications for a home gardener. Perlite vs vermiculite …
I want to grow bulbs. I started by googling what’s the difference between cutting compost and compost then it was talking about perlite and vermiculite and now I’m all confused. I just want to know if I put bulbs in the ground can I use normal compost do I need perlite or vermiculite. If it’s in a pot and it’s seeds what do I do. What if it’s bulbs in a pot. Literally cannot get a straight answer.
I really enjoy listening to your teaching articles. You pause often, which allows me to take as many notes as I can. I feel like I am in a classroom and you are the teacher. Thank you for all you do. My first time small backyard garden is coming along well. I have been able to apply all I’ve learned from you. May the Lord continue to bless you.
You have a great teaching voice, well enunciated and do not speak too fast. The pauses, head nods and facial expressions add a nice character that makes it interesting. Your information is suitably well rounded. I subscribed as I look to further my gardening knowledge. I have 1.5 acres of clay and DG in an area where summer temps average 110 and water is expensive. Time to experiment!
Thanks for the explanation. I use only fine vermiculite in small seed cells to germinate tomato and pepper seeds. I like the way I can easily control the amount of moisture for the seedlings simply by observing the color of the vermiculite. Supplying water is a piece-of-cake … I simply immerse the seedling trays in about an inch of water until the vermiculite turns a dark color. Cheers.
a popular hydroponic medium is 80% Perlite and 20% vermiculite. Plant roots love it when proper nutrients and feeding schedules are applied. It’s ability to provide oxygen to roots is ideal for it’s porosity and lack of compaction, along with it’s moisture retention and neutral pH. I grew a very nice vegetable garden this year in 5 gallon buckets using 100% Perlite and daily feedings of nutrient solution by providing each bucket with a 2 inch reservoir in the bottom of the bucket. You do this by drilling a small hole in the bucket 2 inches from the bottom allowing each bucket to maintain a reservoir for the roots to grow into. The plants will drink from the reservoir all day and it’s nearly impossible to over feed them as long as proper nutrient PPM’s/EC is applied.
I usually take Scott as the most reliable and relevant source of information on the subject of gardening. The only time I was not in full agreement was the discussion of how to deal with materials contaminated by the broadleaf herbicides containing aminopyralid. The reason is, I had first hand experience with disasters caused by them.
Sir I like the way you explain things👍 A day ago I was perusal a article in which a gardener shows us an experiment with charcoal. He takes two soil mix one is with charcoal & other without charcoal. He treated both the plants equally in similar treatment. And eventually there was shocking result ” soil mix (plant)without charcoal was performing better! So here I request you to clear the air about it by doing the similar comparison as we trust you most. (He did the comparison in indoor.)
am so glad i found this website .. am planning to plant a vine that goes from the ground up to the roof of my house what mixes can i use and which type of vine is best suited for this application .. please be noted that i live in a place where tempertures can rise to 55C on summer days and to 0 on winter days . thanks Gardener Scott.
Hi @Gardener Scott, Your instructional articles are by far the best I’ve ever seen for any topic. Not just gardening. For my fall garden, I want to re-use my soil-less potting mix that I’m using for my summer vegetable garden. (your soil-less potting mix recipe). I used Perlite instead of Vermiculite. I wish I would have used Vermiculite for its superior water retention. I also used a single blend of commercial compost which I think was inadequate (I’ve gotten significantly better results in years past with higher quality compost). I want to re-use my soil for my fall garden and plant in a 4’x4’x12″ raised bed (I have enough soil to fill the bed) using the Square Foot Gardening System. Should I also add Vermiculate to get better water retention? If so, how much? How much compost should I amend the soil with (a blend of 5 commercial composts as recommended by SFG). Thanks In Advance
Hello Gardener Scott. I’m getting ready to fill my beds for planting. I’m using top soil, Pete moss, and compost. What would you recommend on the mix of these? I was thinking the top soil being in the bottom with the Pete and compost being a mixture at the top. Should I also add perlite or vermiculite as well? If so, at what mix? You are so helpful and I know all of us appreciate your taking the time to make us better gardeners.
I have know of these products for years and could always tell them apart by the appearance, now I am better educated about them, thank you so much. I am going to be rooting some cuttings, many “experts” recommend perlite, however, based on what I have learned from you, the water holding capacity of Vermiculite seems to make it a better choice, what are your thoughts
What many gardeners are learning is that there is a big difference between fine and coarse vermiculite. Fine vermiculite is good for seed starting mixes because it holds water much better. Coarse vermiculite is excellent for potting mixes for growing or adult plants. It doesn’t hold as much water, and the larger particles leave more air spaces between the granules, resulting in better drainage. I find the question most asked on web searches for vermiculite is: Is it coarse or fine? The most common complaint is: It’s too fine. One of the great unsung quests for the indoor gardeners is to find a dependable source of coarse vermiculite.
I am attempting to grow a coffee shrub/tree in my coffee roastery. I’ve read articles mentioning to add both perlite vs vermiculite. But I’m still not sure which is best. They say coffee shrubs need great drainage for their taproot, but that they also need to remain very moist. So which of these is best to mix in the soil then?
I subscribed to your website. Great content! If you have a article answering this, let me know and I’ll watch it. I briefly scrolled and didnt see anything but I’m sure something is there. How do you keep a plant alive if wet soil rots the roots but dry soil also kills it? I’m having a heck of a time keeping some peace lillys alive, they either rot or shrivel. If I dont water each day they shrivel, if I do they rot. I am trying different mixtures but I havent figured this one out yet.
I recently saw a article(cant remember where) about perlite. That is essentially the same as pumice, but pumice is so much better for the environment then perlite. Because it takes way more time and measures to create perlite then it does to create pumice. I was wondering about your view on this? Do you agree that they are essentially the same? (Perlite and pumice?)
I didn’t find this to be super helpful. He was talking only about the texture of the soil. Sure the 2 are very same for aeration, fluffiness, drainage, retention, etc. But he leaves out the other differences. Vermiculite will drastically increase PH, etc. What about silica properties etc. Anyways, good article overall, but they are not interchangeable for ALL plants. You probably would want to mix vermiculite with peat to offset PH. On the other hand perlite you would probably want to use with coco coir.
would activated carbon be a third option? This is basically biochar or charcoal. Heating (but not burning wood) drives of the organic volatiles leaving behind a porous, inert material. I imagine its behaviour would be similiar to vermiculite. It also ‘traps’ carbon in the soil for very long periods (climate friendly)
I am very new to gardening. I have an 8×12 raised garden bed. Can I mix the perlite and vermiculite into my existing soil or do I mix the perlite and vermiculite together and put it on top of the soil? This season i’m attempting to grow carrots, radish, spinach, mini peppers and cucumbers. Thank you.
When using a SIP self watering system and the wicking of the water from the reservoir, many use and recommend perlite, but I have noticed some are using vermiculite, do you have any experience on the wicking system and action for water capillary using any of these mediums, I noticed some have used sand also!
Just curious about a particular part of the mining of each of these. I saw another article that said most vermiculite was previously mined in Montana and that place is closed due to finding asbestos naturally occurring as tremolite-actinolite in high concentrations. My question is do both of these find themselves naturally with asbestos. Or just vermiculite? I know they closed the Libby plant in MT in the 90s but what’s the concentration of this naturally occurring asbestos in the current product?
For something like hops in a planter pot which require a lot of water but need a well-draining soil. Would you then recommend perlite over vermiculite? Or would they still be interchangeable in this scenario? It seems like from what I’ve read, hops are looking for the benefits of both materials but I’m new to all of this.
I gravitated toward perlite in lew of using styrofoam beads as a light weight soil mixer. . Styrofoam is a pollutant in bodies of water. To my horror perlite floats as effectively as styrofoam.. I tend to prefer vermiculite for it water holding abilities. Cant re.meber ever seeing it float but it probably does . The vermiculite I get in 2 cubic foot bags from home depot doesnt apear to be expanded but it is sold in the garden department
Great explanation of the comparison between the two. I’ve used both in the garden; perlite in hydroponic systems and I usually add vermiculite to my seed starting mixes each year. I remember the first time that I ordered both vermiculite and perlite. I was teaching high school ag and had ordered a bunch of bags for our greenhouse. When they arrived, I had some students go with me to the front office to pick them up. The students that were with me went to grab the bags because ‘they were huge bags and would be too heavy for me to carry’. I’ll never forget the look on some of the boys’ faces as they picked up the bags! Hilarious. Thanks again for sharing this article. I’ve added it to a blog post that I recently wrote: farminence.com/vermiculite.