Alternative to pumice in coot’s mix?

DankTankerous · Sep 9, 2021

Right now the pumice prices are insane and past my price point. I was hoping to make a new batch of soil for my next grow. I recycle my soil but maybe have 6 gallons left. Since I recycle my soil perlite does not seem like a good option because it breaks down so easily. What would you recommend?

I could just pay 20 bucks for 6 qts and re-amend my soil with it. The worms have definitely broken down cover crops, roots, straw, and the peat moss, tipping the balance of aeration under the amount it needs to be.

Rurumo · Sep 9, 2021

Lava rock is the alternative if you don't want to go with perlite. I mean, I hear people talk about rice hulls, but I feel like they'd break down too fast, but it's a short term option anyway. Honestly, I just use perlite, I can't even get lava rock or pumice here, it was going to cost me several hundred to get it from BAS so I said NO THANK YOU!!

DankTankerous · Sep 9, 2021

Rurumo said:
Lava rock is the alternative if you don't want to go with perlite. I mean, I hear people talk about rice hulls, but I feel like they'd break down too fast, but it's a short term option anyway. Honestly, I just use perlite, I can't even get lava rock or pumice here, it was going to cost me several hundred to get it from BAS so I said NO THANK YOU!!

Yep same here, I think rice hulls break down to easily. I think I’m going to roll with what I got. It’s got an excellent base and I top dress and add straw as well.

kratos015 · Sep 9, 2021

I just use perlite, some people can get pumice for comparable prices to perlite, but it is not common.

At $20-$25 per 4 cuft, I have yet to find any cheaper aeration. Don't believe the extra benefit of pumice/lava rocks are worth the extra money to me. Regards.

PadawanWarrior · Sep 9, 2021

DankTankerous said:
Yep same here, I think rice hulls break down to easily. I think I’m going to roll with what I got. It’s got an excellent base and I top dress and add straw as well.

Yes, rice hulls break down to easily. Pumice and lava rock are both great and don't break down. Lava rock is heavier though and more expensive. If you're doing ROLS you can just add more perlite when you remix it. I'm trying no-till, so I just use pumice and lava rock. But I mostly just use pumice now since it's cheaper and lighter. BAS is in my state so shipping isn't that bad for me. Just ordered 2 more 1 cu ft bags of pumice, and 2 cu ft of compost and shipping was $60.

Kind Sir · Sep 9, 2021

I use perlite and then bought bags of lava rock and broke the rock down with a hammer and sledgehammer… was a drag. Worth it though bc you don’t want huge rocks everywhere. I tried to aim for like pinky nail size rocks, took awhile

PadawanWarrior · Sep 9, 2021

Kind Sir said:
I use perlite and then bought bags of lava rock and broke the rock down with a hammer and sledgehammer… was a drag. Worth it though bc you don’t want huge rocks everywhere. I tried to aim for like pinky nail size rocks, took awhile

This is what I bought for lava rock. Not cheap. Like I said though, I just buy the pumice anymore, but I still do have some lava rock.

Premium Small Black Lava Rock for Gardening - Natural Soil Enhancement

Enhance your garden soil with our premium Small Black Lava Rock, perfect for replacing perlite. Rich in nutrients, our natural lava rock dust promotes healthy plant growth, improves drainage, and aerates soil. Ideal for garden enthusiasts seeking organic and sustainable soil solutions.

buildasoil.com

Kind Sir · Sep 9, 2021

PadawanWarrior said:
This is what I bought for lava rock. Not cheap. Like I said though, I just buy the pumice anymore, but I still do have some lava rock.

Premium Small Black Lava Rock for Gardening - Natural Soil Enhancement

Enhance your garden soil with our premium Small Black Lava Rock, perfect for replacing perlite. Rich in nutrients, our natural lava rock dust promotes healthy plant growth, improves drainage, and aerates soil. Ideal for garden enthusiasts seeking organic and sustainable soil solutions.

buildasoil.com

I’d buy so much from them but the shipping kills it. Literally 50$ for 1 cu f of compost for example, maby 45$. I love that place though.

PadawanWarrior · Sep 9, 2021

Kind Sir said:
I’d buy so much from them but the shipping kills it. Literally 50$ for 1 cu f of compost for example, maby 45$. I love that place though.

My whole basement is full of shit from them.

Alternative to pumice in coot’s mix?

DankTankerous

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Rurumo

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DankTankerous

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kratos015

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PadawanWarrior

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Kind Sir

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PadawanWarrior

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Premium Small Black Lava Rock for Gardening - Natural Soil Enhancement

Kind Sir

Well-Known Member

Premium Small Black Lava Rock for Gardening - Natural Soil Enhancement

PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member

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