Substitute for perlite?

[seattlesmoke247]

I went to the store to get foxfarm and perlite and it turns out the perlite costs just as much as the fox farm.. 7 bucks for 12 quarts. Is there anything else I can use as a subsitute that works just as well I am a little short on funds. Thank you!

[headshake]

you can use vermiculite (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculite). it's similar to perlite. check it out.

i'm not sure what it goes for in your area (obviously).

i've found perlite at walmart for like $4 and some change for 8 quarts. you can find it at home depot, and the vermiculite at lowes for a similar price/size.


-shake

[Dutch Pimp]

I like to put a one inch layer of vermiculite, close to the bottom of my pots. Then, I add the soil and 20% perlite.
I feel;.... the vermiculite holds the moisture and nutes just a little bit longer...making the roots go looking for it...cause I don't water very often....:stoned:...and I feed even less, often....:thumbsup:

[greenmajik]

OMG.. that's highway robbery!! I bought 18 lbs. (YES POUNDS) of Perlite for $15!!! Simply Hydroponics - Perlite (http://www.simplyhydroponics.com/perlite.htm) Pricing is a little different on the site than the actual store. I'd definitely call around though.. I was tired of being ripped by Lowes and Home Depot on soil and found an awesome landscaping company that does gardening soil; 1/2 cubic yard was only $12... won't be out of soil for a while!! ;) Seriously, local companies will give you 10x a better deal than the major outlets. I've even switched nutes from FF and have mixed my own by buying worm castings, guano, blood & bone meal, and a few other things from local feed stores. Saving me $$$$$$$$$!! :)

[killerweed420]

I wouldn't recommend the vermiculite. It has lead in it. Works ok for rlowers but I wouldn't use it for anything you're going smoke or eat.