Pet & Garden - Categories Pet & Garden Supplies

Specials

Lucerne Pellets

Perlite, Vermiculite & Pumice There are 22 products.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. Can perlite or vermiculite be used to grow vegetables in the garden and how can this be done?

A. Yes, perlite and vermiculite are great mediums for growing vegetables in the garden?  It's suggested to create a planting mix that is about 50% perlite and/or vermiculite and 50% organic matter like potting mix etc. Please see below for more details from our supplie...

View More

Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. Can perlite or vermiculite be used to grow vegetables in the garden and how can this be done?

A. Yes, perlite and vermiculite are great mediums for growing vegetables in the garden?  It's suggested to create a planting mix that is about 50% perlite and/or vermiculite and 50% organic matter like potting mix etc. Please see below for more details from our supplier for growing plants with perlite and or vermiculite. See disclaimer before reading the information below.

Suggested Planting Mix Ratio:

Material A  25-33%

Material B  25-33%

Material C 34-50%

Perlite P400

Vermiculite Grade 3

Organic material eg. Cocopeat, Peat, Composted wood, composted bark, black home compost, cheap potting mix, and preferably a combination of some of these materials. 

This above ratio mix will achieve a water holding capacity of between 45% to 55% and 20% to 25% air filled porosity, which is very good for growing most plants.

This combination is very hard to flood by rain or by overwatering and this combination drains very well. 

Amendments:

Add  1 part of garden lime or gypsum per 1,000 parts of potting mix by volume.

Add 1 part of dolomite per 1,000 parts of potting mix by volume.  

This will help supply slow release Calcium and Magnesium missing from many pelleted fertilisers and buffer pH changes toward acid initially.   

Fertilizer:

There are many choices. Eg. Use Nitrophoska Special (version with trace elements) at the rate of 50 grams per square metre of growing bed area, taking care to spread evenly.  Dig to a depth of 1-4 inches of media depth.  Repeat application, as plants appear to require more nutrition perhaps each month once the sun returns in Spring.   Eg tomatoes are heavy feeders in Spring.  Lettuce requires less nutrition.

Yellowing of leaves is a commonly observed, generally caused by too much rain or watering, though occasionally due to insufficient iron/nitrogen or phosphate, etc. This is where a hydroponic nutrient is very handy to have to hand, as it removes all the guess work and rebalanced and stabilises the crop and growing media as all elements are available in the exact right rations.   Plant leaf colour generally returns to a good mid green tone. 

A truly excellent Australian made product is Langley Troforte M (follow directions on the package).  This is one of the products I have personally used and have had very good results.  Alternatively use Osmocote, (orange lid works well with vegetables) or Nutricote, etc. at recommended rates on the fertiliser package.  (these CRFs tend to be more expensive especially for veggies)

Fertilise a little frequently as opposed to a large amount in one go. The first few weeks, the soil biology of the organic materials (that are not composted optimally) may consume an excess amount of Nitrogen. This is called Nitrogen draw down causing leaves to yellow. Additions of small amounts of Urea or Nitrogen fertiliser may help reduce this impact, which normally abates after 2-6 weeks, if normal fertilisation is continued.  For crops like Corn, Urea or another nitrogen source should be added as this crop has a very high nitrogen demand as well as a need for a supply of a semi-balanced fertiliser like Nitrophoska or Special, Peters, etc.  There are plenty to choose from.  If you need a recommendation for a high-quality low-cost hydroponic (completely balanced) fertilisers and 100% soluble fertiliser, I may be able to assist.  A single bottle is very inexpensive and takes out all the guesswork for the home gardener when problems strike.  They also greatly multiply yields especially of fruiting plants, so more than pay for themselves.  

Care should be taken with using organic additives especially poultry based manures.  If at all, these should be used as part of a longer term as opposed to short term growing strategies.  Very few commercial growers use these materials for a number of very good reasons.  If you choose to use them, dig them in very deep, so they do not impact younger developing plants.  Again you may see issues with root vegetables not forming or fruiting plants that fail to move into a generative (flowering and fruiting) cycle due to the excessive and late arrival of nitrogen and overall lack of nutritional balance.  Poultry manure works fairly well on turf which has a high nitrogen demand and generally established lawns already have a very well developed microbiological foundation for processing excess Ammonia and dealing with a larger influx of organic solutes and soluble components from time to time.

Disclaimer: The above information is very general in nature and may not apply to your situation. This information is for educational purposes only and is not expert advice. Please seek expert advice before gardening with perlite or vermiculite.

Subcategories

  • Perlite
  • Vermiculite
  • Pumice

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Q. Is the pumice you sell sterilised?

    A. The short answer is that only the UXP Made Made Made Pumice is sterilised. For further information from the manufacturer see below

    1. New Zealand Natural Pumice (washed and screened)

    NZ Pumice is not sterile but fully conforms with AQIS import standards.

    1. Australian Man-made Pumice (sterile)

    When manufactured, is heated to 900 degrees rendering it functionally sterile.

  • Akadama & Kanuma
per page
Showing 1 - 20 of 22 items
  • Quick view
    $14.50 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Vermiculite aerates heavy clay soils and potting mixes. It has a high water-holding capacity, and is ideal for seed raising. Improves aeration and water holding capacity. Ideal for potting mixes, seed raising mixes, and hydroponics.

    $14.50
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $46.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 1 Review(s) 

    The valuable absorptive properties of exfoliated Vermiculite enable it to be used in a wide variety of applications across many industries. Its Agricultural uses include potting mixes, seed germination, animal feed, propagation, soil conditioner, hydroponics, fertilizers.

    $46.00
    For Sale

    Available in 3 grades: Fine, Medium & Large.

  • Quick view
    $46.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    The valuable absorptive properties of exfoliated Vermiculite enable it to be used in a wide variety of applications across many industries. Its Agricultural uses include potting mixes, seed germination, animal feed, propagation, soil conditioner, hydroponics, fertilizers.

    $46.00
    For Sale

    Available in 3 grades: Fine, Medium & Large.

  • Quick view
    $59.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    The irregular shape of Chillagoe Perlite holds other media in the mix apart, allowing air to reach even the tiniest of roots. Great for orchids and many other uses.

    $59.00
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $59.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    The irregular shape of Chillagoe Perlite holds other media in the mix apart, allowing air to reach even the tiniest of roots. Great for orchids and many other uses.

    $59.00
    For Sale

    The 100L perlite size is emptied into a box and shipped like this to make freight cheaper. Ideal for customers who are out of Sydney

  • Quick view
    $26.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Scoria is red or black lava rock. It is formed in basaltic magmas, which means that it comes from lava that is flowing. Popular for growing Cacti, Succulents, Orchids, Bonsai and many others.

    $26.00
    For Sale

    Now available in black or red colour.

  • Quick view
    $30.50 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    UXP or unexpanded perlite is a more uniform, decorative and sterilised alternative to natural pumice. Popular for growing cacti, succulents, orchids, bonsai and others plants. Its porosity provides air spaces that maintain aerobic conditions around the roots while water is contained within the pores.

    $30.50
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $26.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Pumice is a popular growing medium for Cacti, Succulents, Orchids, Bonsai and many others. Its porosity provides air spaces that maintain aerobic conditions around the roots while water is contained within the pores.

    $26.00
    For Sale

    PRE-ORDERS OPEN! Currently out of stock with more due around July 7th. Any orders placed will not be sent until stock arrives.

  • Quick view
    $23.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    A popular mineral mixture ideal for Cacti and Succulents and other plants. Includes: Diatomaceous Earth, Pumice, Zeolite, Scoria, Maifan stone, and Vermiculite

    $23.00
    For Sale

    Currently unavailable from the manufacturer. More stock due around 20th of March. Any orders placed will not be sent until stock arrives.

  • Quick view
    $26.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Maifan stone provides a rich clay colour achieving a highly desired aesthetic look for potted indoor plants. Maifan stone lasts up to 1 to 2 years making it a highly economical and practical option for plant care.

    $26.00
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $39.95 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Pumice is a light siliceous vesicular volcanic rock that is suitable for use in horticulture and hydroponics. Pumice is a popular growing medium for Cacti, Succulents, Orchids, Bonsai and many others. Its porosity provides air spaces that maintain aerobic conditions around the roots while water is contained within the pores.

    $39.95
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $11.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    ONLINE ONLY. Pumice is a light siliceous vesicular volcanic rock that is suitable for use in horticulture and hydroponics. Pumice is a popular growing medium for Cacti, Succulents, Orchids, Bonsai and many others. Its porosity provides air spaces that maintain aerobic conditions around the roots while water is contained within the pores.

    $11.00
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $44.00 Out of stock
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Kleensorb is a calcined (super-heated) Diatomaceous Earth that is often added to potting mix or used as a growing medium due to its ability to hold water, create aeration and provide plant available silica. Has many other horticultural and domestic uses.

    $44.00
    Add to cart
    Out of stock

    Currently unavailable from the manufacturer until about April 2024. Please consider Diatomite Nursery Grade below.

  • Quick view
    $38.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Kanuma is a form of volcanic pumice mined exclusively in Japan and is popular for growing Bonsai, Azaleas, Camelias, Cacti, Succulents, and other plants that enjoy a higher PH value lightweight for easier pot handling. Drains perfectly if prepared correctly. Allows air to be drawn into the mix when watered.

    $38.00
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $22.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Made from some of our hardest Australian hardwoods, including Western Grey Box, Ironbark, and Bull Oak. A long-lasting substrate ideal as a growing medium for orchids and other epiphytic plants. Increased air-filled porosity. Adds potassium and limits the acidic effect of some other media such as pine bark.

    $22.00
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $24.00 For Sale
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Perlite is a porous, siliceous material produced by rapidly heating a natural volcanic material. It is sterile immediately after production and supplies no nutrients. It is an ideal medium for hydroponic culture and improves the aeration of potting mixes or growing media.

    $24.00
    For Sale
  • Quick view
    $35.00 Out of stock
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    Akadama is a form of volcanic pumice mined exclusively in Japan and is popular for growing Bonsai, Cacti, Succulents and other plants. Lightweight for easier pot handling. Drains perfectly if prepared correctly. Allows air to be drawn into the mix when watered. Maintains near-perfect moisture retention.

    $35.00
    Out of stock

    Please consider the Akadama Tsuti 3-6mm listed below as an alternative.

  • Quick view
    $35.00 Out of stock
    0 1 2 3 4 1 Review(s) 

    Kanuma is a form of volcanic pumice mined exclusively in Japan and is popular for growing Bonsai, Azaleas, Camelias, Cacti, Succulents and other plants that enjoy a higher PH value Lightweight for easier pot handling. Drains perfectly if prepared correctly. Allows air to be drawn into the mix when watered.

    $35.00
    Out of stock

    Currently unavailable. See alternative brand below.

  • Quick view
    $55.00 Out of stock
    0 1 2 3 4 1 Review(s) 

    For Horticultural and other uses. AUSPERL perlite is a super lightweight potting media that is clean and easy to use as well as environmentally friendly, offering many advantages. The unique properties of perlite provides for excellent aeration and drainage while still ensuring good water retention.

    $55.00
    Out of stock

    Ausperl Perlite P400 & P500 is currently unavailable. Please consider Medium Chillagoe perlite instead of the P400 and Coarse Chillagoe Perlite instead of the P500. Listed below

  • Quick view
    $55.00 Out of stock
    0 1 2 3 4 0 Review(s) 

    For Horticultural and other uses. AUSPERL perlite is a super lightweight potting media that is clean and easy to use as well as environmentally friendly, offering many advantages. The unique properties of perlite provides for excellent aeration and drainage while still ensuring good water retention.

    $55.00
    Out of stock

    Currently unavailable. Please consider alternative brand below

Showing 1 - 20 of 22 items