Aggregates

Visit any hydroponic store and be completely confused with all the different types of materials plants can be grown in, on, and even without! You could try them all. But all the trying has been done, at great expense I may add.

The aggregate for my system is standard throughout, a mixture 4 to 1 perlite and vermiculite. You may consider that these materials are expensive, they are so in small quantities, purchase them in 100 litre bags wholesale prices, shop around trade suppliers etc. Traditional composts and materials are not cheap.

If using perlite just be careful with the dust avoid this by pouring water into the bag before use and letting it soak in a little.

The only item in addition to the perlite and vermiculite is a layer of rockwool or rockwool pellets in the bottom of the pot 1" thick to stop the perlite and vermiculite dropping through the mesh, it also gives a liitle more reserve of moisture. Only use rockwool for this purpose, there is a good reason for this.

A word of warning, purchase perlite,  vermiculite and rockwool as only horticultural quality. Don't be tempted to obtain it from a builders merchant selling it for insulation, it is impregnated with insecticide and fungicide and not suitable for the growing of plants.

Don't add anything else whatsoever to the aggregate.

Consider the savings in manual labour by using this aggregate along with the superb air-pots.

No more lifting heavy pots with heavy composts. Transporting and carrying loams, grits, composts, peat and whatever else is used. Also consider the tasks involved mixing and turning.

The aggregate can be reused after use ,but not on chrysanths. Use it for tomatoes, etc outside beds for drainage and to help texture. Makes a wonderful top dressing for high quality lawns.

Just one rule to learn - KEEP IT SIMPLE! 

Rock wool

Links to pages where you can view magnified images of Eric's Anemone Seedlings.

Anemone Close-ups

Diamond encrusted Anemones