Perlite and vermiculite are two popular soil amendments used by gardeners and farmers Knowing where to buy quality perlite and vermiculite can ensure your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive This complete guide will examine where you can purchase perlite and vermiculite, key differences between the two, and how to use them properly in your garden or farm.
What is Perlite?
Perlite is a natural volcanic glass that is heated rapidly to cause it to expand This creates lightweight, porous pebbles that resemble Styrofoam. The perlite pebbles have a neutral pH and hold water and air.
Perlite is most commonly used to:
- Improve aeration and drainage in soil mixes
- Retain moisture for plant roots
- Provide oxygen to plant roots
- Lighten heavy clay soils
- Propagate cuttings and start seeds
Perlite is a sterile growing medium and does not contain nutrients on its own. It must be mixed with compost, coconut coir, peat moss or other amendments to create an ideal potting soil.
What is Vermiculite?
Like perlite, vermiculite is a natural mineral that is heated rapidly to cause expansion. This creates lightweight pebbles that can retain water and nutrients for plant growth.
Vermiculite is used for:
- Improving moisture retention in soil
- Providing nutrients to plants like calcium, magnesium and potassium
- Aerating soil for better root growth
- Propagating seeds and cuttings
- Creating lightweight soil mixes
Vermiculite has a high cation exchange capacity, meaning it can hold and transfer nutrients to plants as needed. It provides some nutritional benefits unlike inert perlite.
Where to Buy Perlite
Finding high quality, horticultural grade perlite is important for growing healthy plants. Here are some of the best places to purchase perlite:
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Online: Amazon, eBay and Walmart all sell perlite in various sized bags. Prices range from $10-30 depending on the cu ft bag size. Buying online allows price comparisons between retailers.
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Hardware stores: Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware stock perlite in the garden section. Stock varies by location. Typically $10-20 per bag.
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Garden centers: Perlite can be found at most independent garden centers and nurseries. Staff are knowledgeable about how to use perlite properly in your climate.
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Hydroponics stores: Stores catering to hydroponics gardeners stock perlite for use in soilless mediums. May find organic options here.
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Feed and seed stores: Stores like Tractor Supply Company stock Viagrow branded perlite and vermiculite blends optimized for gardening.
When purchasing perlite, look for horticultural or super coarse grade for best results in gardens and planters. Fine perlite can compact over time.
Where to Buy Vermiculite
Vermiculite is used by gardeners, hydroponic growers and in construction. Here are top places to buy horticultural grade vermiculite:
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Online: Vermiculite is available at Amazon, eBay, Walmart and other major retailers online. Prices range from $15-40 based on cu ft bag sizes.
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Hardware stores: Check garden sections at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware. Inventory varies by location and season.
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Garden centers and nurseries: Independent garden centers carry vermiculite options from various brands. Staff can recommend best vermiculite to buy locally.
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Hydroponics specialty stores: Vermiculite sold at hydroponics stores is optimized for soilless mediums and hydroponic systems. Higher quality options.
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Feed and seed stores: Stores like Tractor Supply have Viagrow branded perlite-vermiculite blends great for gardening uses.
Look for medium or coarse grade vermiculite for gardening. Very fine grades can compact over time and inhibit drainage.
Key Differences Between Perlite vs Vermiculite
While both help aerate soil, there are some key differences between perlite and vermiculite:
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Water retention: Vermiculite retains much more water than perlite. Perlite improves drainage while vermiculite helps soil retain moisture.
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Nutrients: Vermiculite contains minerals like magnesium and calcium that it can transfer to plants. Perlite is a neutral, sterile medium.
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pH: Vermiculite is higher pH while perlite has a neutral pH around 7.
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Cost: Vermiculite generally costs more per bag than an equivalent amount of perlite.
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Appearance: Perlite looks like white Styrofoam pebbles. Vermiculite has a bronze or gold color and crinkly appearance.
Choosing between the two depends on your specific needs. Often they are used together to take advantage of both water retention and drainage properties.
How to Use Perlite and Vermiculite in Gardens
Perlite and vermiculite are easy to use to amend all types of soils. Follow these tips:
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For gardens and planters, mix 1 part amendment with 2 parts potting soil or garden soil. For example, 1 part vermiculite with 2 parts existing soil.
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To improve moisture retention, use more vermiculite relative to perlite. For better drainage, use more perlite.
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For seed starting mixes, combine equal parts vermiculite, peat moss or coconut coir with perlite. This creates an airy, moist medium for seeds.
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When transplanting seedlings, add a handful of vermiculite to the bottom of the planting hole. Place seedling inside and fill in gently with soil.
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Amendments must be mixed in well and don’t simply layer on top of soil. Mix into at least 6 inches deep.
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Replenish perlite and vermiculite each season as some will break down over time.
Follow package instructions for rehydrating any vermiculite or perlite that becomes dried out during storage. With the proper ratio of amendments, you can customize the perfect planting mix for your garden’s needs.
Buying Perlite and Vermiculite in Bulk
For very large gardens, farms, orchards and commercial growing, buying perlite and vermiculite in bulk bags can save significantly on costs.
Sources for bulk purchases include:
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Wholesale landscape supply: Landscape companies may sell bulk bags at wholesale prices. Check local listings.
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Nurseries: Some nurseries will sell amendments by the pallet or in bulk sizes. Call your local nurseries to ask about bulk availability.
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Online: Bulk bags are available online at Amazon, eBay and other major retailers. Search for supersacks or bulk bags.
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Manufacturers: Going direct to the manufacturer allows price negotiation for high volume purchases.EPS Minerals and Eagle Vermiculite are two examples.
When buying amendments in bulk:
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Plan storage carefully as bulk bags take up significant space.
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Open bags as needed to avoid spoilage or drying out. Reseal or store opened portions separately.
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Compare bulk pricing between sources to find the best deal on quality product.
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Factor in shipping costs if buying bulk bags online. Shipping freight can add cost.
With the right storage space, buying perlite and vermiculite in bulk can significantly reduce costs for high volume users.
Key Takeaways on Buying Perlite and Vermiculite
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Check local hardware stores, garden centers, nurseries and hydroponics stores for perlite and vermiculite bags.
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Buy horticultural or coarse grades to avoid compaction issues over time.
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Mix amendments into soil at a rate of 1 part amendment to 2 parts existing soil.
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Perlite improves drainage while vermiculite increases moisture retention.
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Vermiculite contains some nutrients, unlike the inert perlite.
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Purchase bulk bags online through retailers or direct from manufacturers for large scale uses.
Knowing where to source quality perlite and vermiculite ensures your plants get the best growing mediums. Follow package instructions for usage rates and enjoy the benefits of better aeration and moisture retention. Happy gardening!
Perlite vs Vermiculite
FAQ
Should I use vermiculite and perlite together?
What are the disadvantages of perlite?
Which is more expensive, perlite or vermiculite?
When not to use perlite?
How do I use perlite & vermiculite in my garden?
Perlite and vermiculite find multiple uses across gardening and horticultural practices. Here are some tips for using these materials in your garden: Mix perlite or vermiculite into potting soil to improve drainage and aeration. Use perlite or vermiculite as a top layer in potted plants to help retain moisture.
Which is better vermiculite or perlite?
Both perlite and vermiculite can improve aeration in soil, but perlite is generally considered to be more effective in this regard. The larger pores in perlite allow for better air circulation, which is important for root health and growth.
Where can I buy bulk perlite?
Start by searching “ Bulk Perlite: A Must-Read”>bulk perlite” on Google. This simple search will lead you directly to Perlite.com, where you can find all the information and supplies you need for your gardening projects. Bulk perlite is perfect for enhancing soil aeration and drainage, ensuring your plants have the perfect environment to thrive.
What type of perlite is best for hydroponics?
Use Viagrow Coarse and Chunky perlite alone for a completely inert hydroponic medium with good capillary and air retention properties. Perlite can also be added to any medium to improve texture, aeration and drainage. Combined chunky perlite with coir (coconut fiber) VCCB5, and Vermiculite for a great raised bed or container gardening mix.
What can I mix with viagrow vermiculite?
Viagrow vermiculite can be mixed with Peat moss, mushroom compost, cactus soil, organic soil, bark, perlite, compost, coconut coir, worm casting, potting soil and just about any soil or soilless media.
What type of horticultural perlite should I use?
Viagrow coarse grade horticultural perlite is pH neutral and odorless. Use Viagrow Coarse and Chunky perlite alone for a completely inert hydroponic medium with good capillary and air retention properties. Perlite can also be added to any medium to improve texture, aeration and drainage.