Aeration

[GoldMouf]

Kinda got 2 questions. The first 1 is about Tiresias Mist spray. I've read about it & I was wanting to know what any of you guys know about it. Does it really help you grow seeds in certain parts of your plants? Is it worth buying?

Next question is about clay pellets. When I first started I tried to go hydro but miserably failed, (that's why now I love soil). Anyway I was wondering if I could use the clay pellets in my Super Soil that I have cooking for aeration? Sorta like what perlite does.

 

[Justis]

I wouldn't my self.I like how chunky perlite is ruff gives the micro organisms soething to hang on to. Plus the pellets are so heavy

 

[Granger2]

Most soil mixes drain just fine. If the water drains thru in a minute or less they have good enough drainage. The separate issue is holding air in the mix when the mix is wet. Perlite is the best thing I know of for that. Earth Juice claims that its AeroRock is better than perlite, but I'm not sure of that. My personal preference is reg perlite over chunky because it has more surface area per lb., and the air is more evenly distributed thru the mix. Good luck. -granger

 

[Siever]

Use the pellets only to make drainage layer on the bottom of your pots.
Make a 1 inch/ 2.4 cm layer.

 

[dank.frank]

Permatill bests perlite, in my opinion. It's similar in particle size to chunky perlite...has a better CEC and doesn't crush / break down over time, and doesn't float to the surface of the soil.

The only time I have used clay pellets in a soil mix is to put an inch in the bottom of the container - and the only reason I did this was to allow for a bit of standing water in a drip tray under the container. But that was MANY years ago, before I learned how to really grow and water without any leeching / run-off...



dank.Frank

 

[Speed Racer]

Just tried this in the bottom and mixed throughout for more aeration. Working fine, but holds water and heavy. Now looking at the new promix HP/CC I just started a thread on. Use BX successfully now and want more air flow and consistent medium. I wouldn't recommend the clay hydroton unless all hydro. More perilite, rice hulls, Buckwheat hulls and trying some Aerostones and good, but costly. Do like the growstones hydrostones(recycled glass) and good size for bottom drainage and not heavy like rock. Some mix throughout too and works well, but not that cheap. peace... SR