Use of Vermiculate
SEED GERMINATION – Use vermiculite alone or mixed with soil, Perlite or peat. Very little watering is required. When vermiculite is used alone, seedlings should be fed with a weak fertilizer solution when the first true leaves appear. Where vermiculite is mixed half and half with soil, perlite, peat, or compost no additional feeding is required up to the time of transplanting. Because vermiculite is sterile, the threat of damping-off is virtually eliminated. Seedlings can be removed from vermiculite with little danger of breaking-off hair roots, and the dense root growth enables the young plants to take hold immediately.
ROOTING CUTTINGS – Medium grade vermiculite is the standard among professional nurserymen for most horticultural uses including the insertion of cuttings. Vermiculite may be used directly as poured from the bag for root cuttings. Water thoroughly and insert cuttings. Vermiculite will promote maximum root growth in less time.
TRANSPLANTING – Dig a hole at least six inches larger than plant roots. Mix vermiculite with top-soil that has been removed, then place mixture around roots. Vermiculite, when mixed with soil before transplanting shrubs, bushes or trees, will permit roots to branch-out and penetrate deep into the ground. Vermiculite protects roots from drying action of wind and sun. Provides even moisture control – assures healthier plants.
SOIL AMENDING OR SOIL CONDITIONING – For a sandy soil, mixing of vermiculite into the soil will allow the soil to hold water and air needed for growth. Mix of 30% vermiculite to the soil by volume is recommended. Mixing vermiculite in flower and vegetable gardens or in potted plants will provide the necessary air to maintain vigorous plant growth.
HOUSE PLANTS – Vermiculite eliminates the problem of compacted soil in flower pots. Mix Vermiculte with Potting Soil, Perlite, Peat and compost. Vermiculite provides excellent air and moisture control for house plants, lightens and aerates soil. Roots can spread out through the pot. Less frequent watering is required.