Perlite/all Mix

[Guest wallace]

Is there any point in adding any perlite to bio-bizz all-mix? Whats its purpose? Can it make any difference to yield?

[oldtimer1]

All Mix already has 30% perlite in it by volume.

Why would you want to add more of something that contributes nothing?

The reason so much is added already is because most puff growers are not gardeners, with a mix like this it is almost imposible to over water ie its almost fool proof. Half that amount would still give a very sharp draining compost. Most standard peat based garden composts work very well with 5% to 7% perlite or sharp sand.

edit: Sorry didn’t answer your Q properly on re reading it. perlite, grit and sand are added to compost mixes to enhance drainage and hold air in the mix. They have no nutritive value whatsoever. So if a pot holds 10 litres of compost and the compost has 30% perlite, you only have 7 litres that is actively doing something as a live organic mix, the remaining 3 are just inert.

You can grow in just perlite and chemical salt fertilisers, a basic hydro system and biologically totally dead, whereas the allmix is a mainly living medium full of micro fauna, bacteria, fungi etc. They continually break down the carbon based [organic] elements in the mix releasing nutrients held in the lignins and cellulose as they decay. The lower the carbon based portion of the compost the lower the quantity of micro flora, this also means less of them to break down the organic elements in any liquid organic feed you supplement your compost with. That means less food for your plants.

I hope this makes sense!

Lesson one and note to myself don’t answer Q’s when stoned.

Edited December 24, 2002 by oldtimer1

[Arnold Layne]

If I did that OT1 M8, I'd never post again!!!

[Guest wallace]

nice 1 ot1!