How do I fluff up my soil?

What' the best stuff to add more air to your soil mix? Perlite? Or is something else better?

Yes add perlite try Wilko's 10lt for £5.

Large chunk perlite, don't mess with the small stuff, it will break down into smaller chunks over time. The big chunks are what you need for good aeration.

Grow shit init, let it die, plant the next shit in it, roots follow the paths of other dead roots. Cover the soil with good composting mulch and add some calcium and worms.

Peat moss and worm castings. Perlite helps drains your soil. Peat moss and worm castings break it down. Mix it very well.

This is all you need to do ol son

ryeguy said:

Peat moss and worm castings. Perlite only drains your soil. Peat moss and worm castings break it down. Mix it very well.

This is all you need to do ol son

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Nope, perlite holds water, very porous.

Perlite holds water? I’ve been working under the assumption that it ariates the soil.

Bugeye said:

Nope, perlite holds water, very porous.

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Nope, perlite, the misunderstood mineral. perlite is a form of glass; specifically a volcanic glass that is mined and then heated in big ovens until it 'pops' into a round, white material that's used in seed-starting and potting mixtures to “lighten” the soil, allow more air around the roots of plants and to both help retain water and improve drainage.

It’s a 2 way road and a road you need.

Med68w said:

Perlite holds water? I’ve been working under the assumption that it ariates the soil.

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It does both, multipurpose.

Makes sense.

ryeguy said:

Nope, perlite, the misunderstood mineral. perlite is a form of glass; specifically a volcanic glass that is mined and then heated in big ovens until it 'pops' into a round, white material that's used in seed-starting and potting mixtures to “lighten” the soil, allow more air around the roots of plants and to both help retain water and improve drainage.

It’s a 2 way road and a road you need.

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Dropping knawledge!


But seriously, you are correct sir. OP, pay heed.

NAPA 8822 floor dry provides retention on nutes and moisture but perlite absorbs little water and that is held in the porous irregular surface. I have used both for years.

Hold up I thought vermiculite holds water and perlite holds air , I use both for mushroom growing , I also add it to my soil for my plants about 2 parts soil and one part 50/50 Vermiculite and perlite

Replacing vermiculite with NAPA floor dry part#8822 has worked here for about 5 or 6 years and I prefer it. Provides both drainage and retention of water. Good stuff. Made from DE!

I use river sand more than perlite because it’s free and it’s got silica in it too , I fluff up my soil with a bit of wire bent in a u shape by sticking it in the soil and turning it and stabbing and lifting the soil carefully hopefully not damaging roots seems to work well as long as the plant is a few weeks old and your not too rough , if you use flexible pots you can also squeeze the pot which makes air gaps in the soil

Dunno what kinda riversand you guys have over there but the sand here is awesome it’s full of silica and it’s not pourous but it creates gaps in the soil I usually mix it about 1 part sand to 2 parts organic compost

OffThyDustBinLid said:

What' the best stuff to add more air to your soil mix? Perlite? Or is something else better?

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Yes sir........

Pumice

ryeguy said:

Nope, perlite, the misunderstood mineral. perlite is a form of glass; specifically a volcanic glass that is mined and then heated in big ovens until it 'pops' into a round, white material that's used in seed-starting and potting mixtures to “lighten” the soil, allow more air around the roots of plants and to both help retain water and improve drainage.

It’s a 2 way road and a road you need.

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.. this is a beautiful omage to Perlite!