Vermiculite for plants - what is it for and how is it used?
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APPLICATION OF VERMICULITIS IN THE GARDEN, FOR PLANTS
Not so long ago, new material for gardeners - vermiculite - appeared on sale. Please tell us how to use it in the garden?
Leonid Vladimirovich
WHAT DOES VERMICULITIS FOR PLANTS NEED FOR
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral foamed at high temperatures, which is related to all known mica. It was discovered in the XIX century, but began to use this material only a few decades ago. It is mined in the Urals, the Kola Peninsula, in Kazakhstan, America, Africa and Australia.
The use of vermiculite gives the following results:
- • improved water and air properties of the soil;
- • acidity decreases;
- • increases the efficiency of fertilizer use - both mineral and organic;
- • moisture is retained, which makes it easier for plants to tolerate dry periods;
- • the soil is saturated with magnesium and potassium;
- • soil with vermiculite does not cake, it does not form a crust;
- • favorable conditions are created for the development of the root system;
- • soil salinity decreases;
- • since vermiculite is able to absorb up to 500% moisture, there is no need for frequent watering;
- • the effect of stimulation of plant growth is noted;
- • plant damage by rot decreases;
- • harmful soil microflora is suppressed;
- • vermiculite “absorbs” salts of heavy metals and non-degradable pesticides, so that the soil heals, and the crop becomes safe;
- • fertilizer solutions are held in the root layer.
Vermiculite is used in gardening everywhere - from seedlings to mulching trees. Consider specific cases of using this material.
Note
When applied to the soil, the thermal insulation properties of vermiculite are good. This material perfectly regulates heat transfer. When the air temperature drops, the soil containing vermiculite retains heat longer, and when the heat sets in, it does not overheat. This allows you to smooth out seasonal and daily temperature drops, which favorably affects the condition of plants, while also reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal diseases.
VERMICULITUS FOR SEEDLING
Vermiculite is an ideal material for seed germination. Pour it into a matchbox, mix with seeds and soak in water. Leave a hole for breathing the seeds and place in a warm place - the seeds will germinate faster than in a wet rag.
When making soil for seedlings, add 10% vermiculite to it. The resulting substrate will have increased moisture capacity and breathability.
When planting seedlings, add 1-2 spoons of vermiculite to each well.
VERMICULITIS IN THE GARDEN
Throw vermiculite in the beds for digging.
If the soil on the site is heavy, then 1,5-2 l of vermiculite per 1 sq. m
On acidic soils, sprinkle superficially vermiculite and embed in the ground-1-2 L per 1 sq. m
When laying compost, sprinkle layers with vermiculite.
Council
Mulch the crops with vermiculite - it will retain moisture and prevent it from evaporating.
VERMICULITIS IN THE GARDEN
In gardening, vermiculite is used as a material for rooting cuttings. Pour it into a plastic cup, insert the stalk and fill it with water. In this substrate, cuttings quickly and well root. Then, directly with vermiculite, they can be transplanted to a “school” or to a permanent place.
When planting seedlings of both trees and shrubs, it is good to add vermiculite to the soil 3-5.
Planted trees can be mulched - a thin layer of the mineral crumbles around, covering the ground. Usually enough for this 6-8 liters.
See also: What is perlite and vermiculite and what are their differences and what is the application?
VERMICULITIS FOR INDOOR FLOWERS
You can start familiarizing yourself with the beneficial properties of vermiculite in home floriculture. Stack it to improve drainage and air exchange at the bottom of the pot by about a third of its volume. You can also mix the material with the ground in the ratio 1: 5 and sow flowers in this mixture. You can mulch indoor plants to improve their moisture supply.
Vermiculitis Disadvantages
For every barrel of honey there is sure to be a fly in the ointment. Not without flaws and vermiculite.
This is expensive material, and it will not work widely. For example, making 10 weaving with potatoes will seriously empty your pocket.
Vermiculite is very light, and therefore can be blown away by the wind, so it is better to immediately close it into the soil.
Fine vermiculite is very dusty, and particles of this material can get into the respiratory tract. Therefore, it is recommended to spray it with water from a spray bottle before use. At the same time, work should be done with gloves and a respirator.
Council
Remember: vermiculite easily absorbs and retains water for a long time. Applying it in the garden, reduce the amount of watering, but increase their intensity - more water at a time, but less often.
WHERE TO BUY VERMICULITIS
Vermiculite is sold in specialized stores selling seeds, fertilizers and other goods necessary for working on the ground. It is presented on the shelves by a variety of packaging and manufacturers. Do not give preference to bright pictures and catchy advertising. Vermiculite is a natural material, its chemical formula is the same, regardless of the names and images on the labels. Focus on price and visual quality.
An option to purchase this material in case of great demand may be a purchase in construction stores, where it is sold in 50-liter packaging. This is the same vermiculite as in the store for goods for the garden, just make sure that it is as it should (there are fractions of different sizes) for the garden.
In total, there are 5 vermiculite groups, and in construction they use mainly large-lump mineral for filling into hollow panels, more than 1 cm in diameter (1 fraction). The smallest vermiculite (5 fraction) is a suspension of fine sand mixed with dust particles.
For gardening purposes, vermiculite of the 2-4 fraction with a particle size of 1 to 10 mm is usually used. In indoor floriculture, material with the parameters 2-5 mm is used.
HOW TO STORE
If vermiculite is in the original, unopened packaging, then you can not be afraid that it will deteriorate - the warranty period is 5 years. If he was left without packaging, then the simplest solution is to scatter along the beds before digging the site or scatter on a compost heap. If you store vermiculite until spring, pour it into a tightly closed container and keep it in a dry room - the temperature is not important, an unheated barn or garage is suitable.
WHAT IS VERMICULITIS - VIDEO
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