Short Description:
vermiculite has the following benefits
Inorganic, inert and sterile
Non abrasive
Ultra light weight
Free from disease, weeds and insects
Slightly alkaline (neutralized with peat)
High cation-exchange (or buffering exchange)
Excellent aeration characteristics
High water holding capacity
Insulating
Vermiculite is an incredibly useful growing medium. Horticultural vermiculite can be used for many beneficial
purposes in the garden and can aid and assist in successful propagation, cuttings and plant raising.
One of the best uses of vermiculite is the plant propagation arena. Vermiculite is particularly useful when
sowing fine to very fine seed. Instead of covering the seeds with a covering of compost, which can be very
heavy on tiny seeds and can also form a hard cap, making germination very difficult, a small quantity of
vermiculite can be used. This is very light and presents no restriction or check on growth, the seedlings can
easily break the surface and, because of the lightweight granular texture of vermiculite, it does not form a
cap on the top of the growing container or seed tray.
Vermiculite is also used widely in seed and potting compost mix, as well as with container plant pots, to
provide a lighter, more friable compost mix.