Seed for seedex 2004 & sources of seed starting material

[Jim McClements, Dover, DE z6]

In a message dated 12/11/03 12:53:40 PM, irisman at AMERITECH.NET writes:


> Don't use Oil Dri!!!!, it is probably bentonite clay (kitty
> litter) and will do exactly the opposite of what you want.  Worse, you w=on't
> be able to get rid of it, Only use this (in small quantities if you're sho=rt
> of clay--which arisaemas don't usually need at all!).   You've got goo=d
> drainage now, don't ,louse it up.    If you must increrae the drainage=and
> aeration of your soil. Try using cypress bark.  Doesn't decompose  exc=ept
> very slowly, not fast like  pine or other woods.
> 

My understanding is that turface and kitty litter are essentially the same 
material, except that turface is fired at a higher temperature and doesn't 
soften and gum up as does litter.

There is also a substance called "Permatill" (aka "Vole Bloc"), made from 
expanded natural slate. I understand that gardeners in heavy clay soils use =it 
successfully to increase drainage. Also ,as the name implies, voles don't   =like 
to dig in soil where it is present. It doesn't affect soil pH significantly,if at all.

In my experience, Turface in beds absorbs a lot of water and makes more 
watering necessary in dry spells. It also tends to rise to the surface, likeperlite. Permatill absorbs some water, but nowhere near the amount the TurfaÎ does, 
and it stays put.

Jim

Jim McClements
50 S. Prestwick Ct, Dover, Delaware, USA, Zone 7a
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.science.uu.nl/pipermail/arisaema-l/attachments/20031211/68e467fd/attachment.html