Vermiculite Granules for Seed Starting & Moisture Retention - 1.5 kg

What is vermiculite? Vermiculite is a naturally mined mica-type mineral which expands under heat into soft, layered granules with a slight golden brown sheen. The layered structure acts like a sponge. What does vermiculite do in soil? It holds three to four times its own weight in water, along with dissolved nutrients, and releases both back to the roots slowly as the soil dries. In practice this means pots that stay evenly moist for longer and less nutrient washed out of the bottom of the pot every time you water. Why is vermiculite the standard for seed starting? Germinating seeds must not be allowed to dry out even once. Vermiculite keeps moisture steady at the surface, stops the top of the mix crusting so seedlings can push through easily, and being sterile it helps reduce damping-off, the fungal collapse that kills seedlings at soil level. It is also ideal as a thin covering over sown seeds, including fine seeds that need light to germinate. How much vermiculite should I use? For a seed starting mix, 1 part vermiculite to 1 part sieved compost. As a seed covering, a light dusting just deep enough to hide the seed. For a general potting mix, 10 to 30 per cent of the total volume. For thirsty plants and summer containers, go up to 40 to 50 per cent. Vermiculite or perlite, which do I need? Choose vermiculite when pots dry out too quickly, when you are germinating seeds, or for moisture-loving plants such as ferns, calathea, mint and coriander. Choose perlite when soil stays soggy or a plant prefers to dry out between waterings. Vermiculite holds water, perlite drains it. Is it worth it in Lahore summers? This is where vermiculite earns its price. Terracotta pots and balcony containers can dry out twice a day in June, and vermiculite in the mix buys you hours between waterings. Is vermiculite a fertilizer? No. It supplies no nutrients itself, though it does hold onto the fertilizer you apply and release it gradually. Its pH is close to neutral. Keep feeding as normal. Does vermiculite expire? No. It is sterile, odourless, will not rot or mould, and can be reused. Handling: the dry granules are dusty. Dampen lightly before mixing and avoid breathing the dust. Roman Urdu: mitti mein nami barqarar rakhta hai, beej ugane ke liye behtareen. Household and home gardening product. Net weight 1.5 kg.