Green thumbs up: Still time for last-minute planting Nov 8, 2008
Store healthy bulbs and the tuberous clusters of dahlias in plastic produce bags that breathe, or in newspaper-lined porous containers bushel baskets, wooden crates, or laundry baskets that have been filled with peat moss, sawdust, perlite or coarse vermiculite. Keep the storage containers in the dark between 40 and 50 degrees and check periodically during the winter months for any evidence of rot. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Digging dahlias is not that much of a chore Nov 2, 2008
You could use perlite, vermiculite, peat moss or sawdust, but I just use slightly moistened, soilless potting medium from my containerized plants. The trick is to keep the dahlia roots from desiccating during the winter, which is why the storing media should be kept slightly damp. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Native Hawaiian hau kuahiwi can grow nicely in your garden Oct 25, 2008
Sow them into a medium of three parts perlite or black cinder to one part potting mix, then layer an additional half inch of mix over the seeds. Water them in, then every other day, leaning toward the dry side and not soaking wet. (Honolulu Advertiser)
A coleus by any other name would look as sweet Oct 17, 2008
Make sure you have four or five sets of leaves on each cutting and remove the bottom set, whence the roots will develop when you put the plant in damp sand, perlite or even water. When they do develop roots, place the cuttings in a well-draining potting soil that is rich in organics. (Anchorage Daily News)
Knowledge to grow on: Try over-wintering your perennials Oct 5, 2008
For materials you will need a container, vermiculite or a vermiculite and perlite mix, rooting hormone and a cover. If you are looking for something neat and self-contained, purchase a clear plastic shoe box or sweater box with a clear plastic cover. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Green thumbs up: Prepare tender plants for chilly days ahead Oct 4, 2008
Tip cuttings will be clipped from larger specimens, dipped in a rooting powder and inserted into pots of perlite or vermiculite. In a few weeks, rooted cuttings will be transplanted into containers filled with potting medium and grown in a warm, bright location throughout the winter months. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
More > Aug 19, 2008
Place the treated cuttings in a container filled with potting soil that contains a mix of peat moss, perlite (little white volcanic rock), and vermiculite (mixtures of this type can be found in most big box stores or garden centers). 4. (MLB.com -- Chi Cubs Cubs)
Inflation gets down to nitty-grity Aug 17, 2008
Then there's the gourmet dirt -- the scientifically exquisite potting mixtures, soil enhancers and soil amendments, crafted from special ingredients such as peat moss, bark fines (partially composted pine bark), perlite, coconut husks, and/or "spent mushroom substrate." You can buy a bag of "Bumper Crop," for example, for $14 ... A common ingredient in potting mixes is perlite, which makes the soils airier while also retaining moisture ... "Just like making a cake. One hopper has peat moss in... (MSNBC -- Politics)
Garden Q and A: Help! My oranges are turning black Aug 12, 2008
During periods of heavy rainfall, it may be sensible to cover the perlite in the container to keep rainfall out, so that you can mix the plant fertilizer with water and apply it on schedule. My luna blush mallow was blooming beautifully, then it started developing leaf spots. (Florida Times-Union)
Secrets to a Successful Container Garden Jul 13, 2008
"For the most simple mix, all you need is a bag of cheap potting soil with some finely ground bark mulch. Mix the two 50/50 and you'll be all set." In his book, "Container Gardening," Rushing recommends other soil mix recipes that include sand, perlite, vermiculate and lime. No matter what you plant, Rushing stresses that plant roots need air in order to take in water and nutrients. (Pekin Times, IL)
Plant an herbal treat for your cat Jul 5, 2008
Alternative growing media are soilless potting mixes such as perlite, vermiculite or rock wool. It will grow best in full sun but will tolerate some shade. (Florida Times-Union)
Stoney beauties Jun 13, 2008
The troughs are made from a mix of peat moss, polypropylene fiber, perlite and cement, "and you better like getting dirty," says Tysver, who molds them in her garage. As for plants, the ABG has a good home-grown selection; Rodriguez's nursery has seedlings both hardy and rare; and aspirants can hardly do better than join the Alaska Rock Garden Society, which teems with helpful members who swap plants among themselves and hold sales in the spring. (Anchorage Daily News)
Organic Hydroponics Gardening Jun 9, 2008
You can use perlite, organic coconut fiber or rock wool. Whatever you choose, you will enjoy one of the advantages of hydroponic gardening, which is dodging soil-borne diseases. (Suite101.com)
It's never a dirty job May 23, 2008
In Mr. McDanel's greenhouse, tomatoes grow out of bins of perlite, a form of volcanic glass that substitutes for soil. Nutrient-rich water pumps into the bins, feeding vines tied to wires that stretch from one end of the greenhouse to the other. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Give slow-growing Japanese maple time to sprout May 2, 2008
A: Make a 1:1 mix of potting soil and perlite. Mix with enough water so that when you squeeze a handful, no water comes out. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
April planner Apr 4, 2008
Potting soil can be re-used if perlite is added to increase drainage. Mix a pint of perlite with a gallon of potting soil. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Green thumbs up: Signs of spring:Time to sow and grow Mar 7, 2008
Many sterile potting soils tend to be too heavy for sowing seeds unless additional peat, vermiculite and/or perlite are added to create a light, airy, porous mixture. Once the essential supplies and seed packets have been acquired, carefully read the instructions on the back of the seed envelopes and follow the recommended timetable for starting your seeds. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
All About Potting Soil Jan 28, 2008
A Guide to Peat Moss, Vermiculite, Perlite, and More ... It s usually a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, a mineral that expands to many times its volume when heated, and perlite, a volcanic glass ... Perlite and vermiculite are added to increase air circulation within the potting soil. (Suite101.com)
Growing Mini Roses Indoors Jan 1, 2008
Use a commercial potting mixture containing perlite and vermiculite when repotting. When flowering has finished, place plants under fluorescent lights to encourage reblooming in about six weeks. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Celebrating with a Holiday Cactus Dec 11, 2007
Give them an acidic soil with high organic matter content, such as a mixture of 60 percent peat moss and 40 percent perlite. To test the soil for moisture content, stick a toothpick into the soil and if it comes away clean, it's time to water. (Sebastopol Sonoma West Publishing, CA)
Succulents for every garden Dec 4, 2007
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
The Bliss of the Bees Nov 27, 2007
Highly Fragrant Plant Known as Sweet Melissa. A member of the mint family, the herb known as Lemon Balm is also called Sweet Melissa. (Suite101.com)
Column: Green Thumbs Up: Putting the gardens to bed Nov 15, 2007
Store healthy bulbs and the tuberous clusters of dahlias in plastic produce bags that breathe or in porous containers such as bushel baskets, wooden crates, or laundry baskets lined with newspaper that have been filled with peat moss, sawdust, perlite or coarse vermiculite. Keep the storage containers in the dark between 40 and 50 degrees and check periodically during the winter months for any evidence of rot and discard if spoiled. (Hanover Mariner, MA)
Green Thumbs -- Prepare your plantings for killing frosts Oct 17, 2007
Tip cuttings of coleus and impatiens are easily propagated, especially if the stems are dipped in a rooting powder and inserted into pots of perlite or vermiculite. Ivy and vinca can be rooted in water. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Decorate With African Violets Oct 2, 2007
For African violets to flourish, they require special soil composed of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part standard potting mix. This keeps the soil well aerated. (Suite101.com)
Gopher Gulch: Take time to grow thyme Sep 26, 2007
It doesn't like any of the planting mediums like potting soil, peat and perlite. There is a trick to starting thyme that will nearly guarantee success. (Daily Triplicate)
Nursery soil lighter than soil at home Sep 6, 2007
A: The white balls in potting soil are perlite, not Styrofoam. Perlite is made by superheating a glassy rock that occurs in the western U.S. as well as in other parts of the world ... Because perlite is very porous, it holds moisture and nutrients. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Precious prickly gems Aug 21, 2007
- Choose planting soil with added sand, perlite or organic material. For example, use two parts coarse sand or perlite, one part organic material and one part garden soil. (AZCentral -- Home)
Look up...it's a tomato Aug 20, 2007
They're filled with potting soil, vermiculite, perlite and peat moss. The tomato plants grow out of a hole in the bottom. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Raising Apache Plume Aug 16, 2007
Use a mixture of perlite and soil. Transplant by dibbling a hole in the middle of the container, removing the seedling (much as you would a piece of pie) and place the tiny plant, along with its root ball, into the hole made by the dibble. (Suite101.com)
Green Space: Keep vegetable garden producing into fall Aug 15, 2007
Stick the cut end in moist vermiculite, perlite or a germinating mix. Keep the rooting medium moist and place it in a bright, but not sunny, location. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
African Violet Q&A Aug 13, 2007
To prevent, make sure your AV s are in a light, well draining soil with lots of perlite and vermiculite. Q: The leaves of my violets look curled and distorted. (Suite101.com)
Turning Tomato Growing Upside Down Aug 4, 2007
Vermiculite or Perlite may be added in place of 50% of the soil to improve water retention, which is especially helpful in hot or dry climates. For an even better soil environment, add a few worms before closing the bucket. (Suite101.com)
Prune once-bloomers after they flower Jun 29, 2007
Normally I would have amended the soil with sand, top soil, manure and perlite. Will this do the trick, or do I need to get liquid gypsum as my son recommends. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Germinating Pinyon Pine Seeds Jun 24, 2007
If you live in warmer climates, you can take the seeds (with seed coatings removed), mix them in moistened perlite, seal the entire mixture in a plastic bag ... Also, check the perlite. (Suite101.com)
Crave Brothers Farm to display first manure digester Jun 23, 2007
he Craves buy about half of it for bedding but the rest is mixed with perlite and vermiculite, bagged and marketed as a potting soil mix. Currently the product, under the Energro brand name, is being test marketed at eight locations including a location in Waterloo. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
Bromeliads a tropical plant that's easy for the Florida yard Jun 2, 2007
If you like to make your own mix, he recommends a blend of 1/3 peat (dead plant material), 1/3 pine bark and 1/3 perlite (a kind of volcanic glass). "The root systems aren't big," Aldrich pointed out. (Ocala Star-Banner)
Planting time is now; follow tips for a great start May 25, 2007
Add diatomaceous earth, sand or perlite to help with drainage. Use this in the receiving holes and as a side dressing. (Anchorage Daily News)
Organic Gardening Expert Discovers Vegetables Thrive in Containers And Harvests Often Surpass Results From In-Ground Plants May 25, 2007
Container Mix is a blend of sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite. Water-abosrbing polymers such as Terra-Sorb, help to retain moisture in the soil and keep watering chores to a minimum. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Phytoremediation May 24, 2007
Characteristically hydroponic systems make use of a non-natural soil medium, the best example is sand mixed with perlite or vermiculite. As the roots become inundated with contaminants, they are harvested and disposed. (Suite101.com)
Tuning into truly tiny gardens May 11, 2007
A compound of perlite, peat moss, fiberglass and cement, each trough is one-of-a-kind, pastoral, and somewhat raw. But it's that unrefined quality that commands up to $285 for a completed piece. (Shoreline Times, CT)
Salon des Acceptances May 11, 2007
From the vat of pulp, she uses a mold and deckle to make sheets, and when the sheets are wet, she drapes them over a form she has made from perlite. After drying a week, she chisels away the perlite with chopsticks ... "Then I noticed the beautiful stain it left. Before I take the perlite out, I adhere tea bags for the beautiful rusty design it makes. It's serendipitous." Another artist who has had happy accidents with rooibos tea is Amber Palecek, a former Ellarslie intern now studying for a... (Hopewell Valley News, NJ)
A healthy root system requires proper watering May 7, 2007
Mix in a two-to-one ratio of coarse sand and perlite to give it improved drainage. Fertilize often to ensure your heavy-feeding annuals are fat and happy. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
A homefor alpine plants Apr 12, 2007
Sullivan, owner of Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery in Talent, makes it look easy, mixing cement, peat moss, perlite (a natural silicate rock, pulverized) and water to a dough-like consistency then pouring it in a form, which can be made of wood ... "You try to duplicate the alpine soil. "Alpine plants consider it a perfect environment when they're elevated, away from the heat and humidity you have close to the ground, but still in full sunlight," says Sullivan. Some alpine plants that love the... (Mail Tribune, OR)
Discover beauty on Milos Apr 4, 2007
A mining industry that began in the 1860s still exists on the island, employing some 300 people; since the early days of this industry, many sites have been abandoned, although perlite, bentonite and kaolin are still mined here. We took off our sandals and put our feet in the October-chilled clear water. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Summer bulbs: Plant them now to enjoy later Apr 4, 2007
Store the tubers in bags of dry vermiculite, perlite or peat moss at 40 to 50 degrees ... Start calla lilies indoors; transplant outdoors about a foot apart and dig in the fall, storing in dry peat moss, perlite or vermiculite at 40 to 50 degrees ... Dig up bulbs in the fall after the leaves yellow, dry them thoroughly, then store over winter in dry peat moss, vermiculite or perlite at 50 to 55 degrees. (Quad-Cities Online)
Main street, Lakview Mar 28, 2007
We have started to diversify our economy and one of the good examples is the perlite plant. Perlite is little white pebbles ground from bigger rocks, later put through a heating process and then used in various products from potting soil to sound-proofing material ... Simms said Lake County perlite has a high quality, and in 1996, it attracted a perlite company that was later purchased by Cornerstone Industrial Minerals Corp.. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Begonias still glow amid all the fancy newcomers Mar 9, 2007
To start, you're going to need really good compost or humus with a little sand, perlite or vermiculite to provide good drainage. This will encourage the healthy microbial populations Alaskans have come to appreciate and will discourage the development of pathogens like those that cause powdery mildew. (Anchorage Daily News)
Container gardening? Use a bag of potting soil Mar 9, 2007
I get a bag of fairly good potting soil, the kind with white, crunchy perlite mixed in, and cut small slits in the top and upper sides. A few small holes around the lower sides let excess water drain out. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Growing Media for Desert Seeds Mar 4, 2007
one-third sand, vermiculite or perlite. one-third peat moss. (Suite101.com)
Hydroponic fruits soon ready for your table Mar 4, 2007
A complete Garden of Ease four-plant hydroponic system with a 400-watt HPS light, starting nutrients, a pH test kit, pH-adjusting solution and growing medium (such as perlite, vermiculite or rock wool), costs about $500. For more information read How-to Hydroponics by Keith Roberto (Futuregarden, 2003, $24. (Quad-Cities Online)
Grow Flowers in Pots and Planters Mar 1, 2007
Most of these are soil-less, meaning they are based on milled sphagnum peat moss or bark combined with sand, perlite or vermiculite. Some mixes contain a slow release fertilizer; some contain water holding crystals to lengthen the time between waterings. (Suite101.com)
Local farmer trying different methods of growing veggies Feb 25, 2007
Unlike true hydroponically grown tomatoes, which are grown using only water, Burnette's tomatoes are rooted in large pots filled with perlite, a manmade growing medium. The pots simply provide support for the root system. (Clanton Advertiser, AL)
Draine: Dig into the fine art of container gardening Feb 22, 2007
He mixes one part screened, good quality (that s hard to find) topsoil or well composted (humus) mulch, one part of combined equal portions of vermiculite (to provide bulk and air pores) and perlite (as a water retention agent) and one part fine peat moss ... Perlite and vermiculite are available at garden stores. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Post aComment Feb 10, 2007
The shrub needs very acid soil, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Strawberry guava (Psidium littorale): This 3- or 4-foot tree is a better container plant than the huge ones that grow guavas for the supermarket. (Belleville News-Democrat)
Got the winter doldrums? Jan 27, 2007
Once you have the seeds, they should be planted in a blend of perlite, vermiculite and peat, and put in a sanitized container with holes punched out for drainage on the bottom. t is important that you water the plants from the bottom up, she said. (Forest Republican, WI)
Revisiting African violets: Give old standby, new versions a try Jan 26, 2007
Turner mixes a soilless version from 1 part milled sphagnum peat moss, 2 parts perlite and 1 part vermiculite. Air temperature: 65 to the low 70s is ideal, although the plants tolerate air temperatures up to about 80 before growth stalls, Turner says. (The Clarion-Ledger)
No soil needed Jan 21, 2007
Aggregates commonly used include clay pebbles, perlite and rock wool, a fibrous material. Flood and drain: Plants are placed with an aggregate in a container that gets flooded periodically with nutrient solutions for no more than 20 to 30 minutes. (Fresno Bee)
Catalogs offer everything, but shop at home first Jan 12, 2007
Then root in damp, sandy soil, perlite or vermiculite. Stored fuchsia and rhodochiton: Make sure soil is just slightly moist. (Anchorage Daily News)
