I have started to become intrested in Sand added to the potting medium. It has been reckomended to be used with the akadama and it has popped up a few times lately used in various ways. I take this to be propagating type sand. Not 2-3mm gravel but washed sand 1mm or less. Just wash the dust out.

The charcoal people are talking about is horticultural charcoal. I throw a couple of pinches in my mix. Many nurseries stock it. I too use NAPA #8822 Floor Dry. (new name for it). One word of caution though, never let it get too dry. If it gets too dry, it will start absorbing the moisture from the roots. When you first touch it, you can feel how it dries out your hands. Just imagine what it does to the roots if left to totally dry out.

As for using regular potting soil, I would advise against it unless you are in a real hot climate with a species that needs real wet feet (i.e. willow).

As for cat litter in the US, Walmart sells a brand called "Special Kitty" it is in a red bag. It is gray in color and will not break down easily. When I say easily, I mean 20 to 30 harsh freeze/thaw cycles. I find this brand breaks down comparable to akadama. I did some experimenting a few years back with every type of cat litter that looked like it would work and this one held up longer than the rest. I would still use something else unless you are on a big budget or plan using it with seedlings knowing you will re pot in a year anyway.

No one here mentioned Turface. If you have a Turface dealer near you, I would suggest you use that over any other inorganic medium mentioned on this thread. I would consider Turface (MVP brand) to be the best. NAPA #8822 Floor Dry second best.

Hi All,

This is a link to a company that sells and will send a sample (looks like free) of their turface if anyone wants to check it out

http://www.profileproducts.com/en/sport ... tactus.htm

I submitted a request for a sample of MVP. If it turns out to be hassle less and actually free I'll post an update...

I used to sell Turface (MVP) to folks who wanted it. I bought it by the pallet load, 80 bags per pallet (2 tons). However, I stopped selling it because the particle size is too small, screening wasn't all that reliable, and roots don't colonize in it. That is, the root tips don't penetrate and grow through the partiles, like akadama. But, please remember I have asked you not to waste akadama.

Sand is a different subject. The Japanese use an equivalent term to sand for small gravel. So, don't by playground sand (or any fine sand), by a pea gravel type material that is at least 1/8-3/16 inch orlarger in size. Your soil mix will work best if you use materials that are of approximately the same size.

If you want consistent, strong and happy trees use a well constructed soil mix, to start.
John

VonsGardens wrote:I used to sell Turface (MVP) to folks who wanted it. I bought it by the pallet load, 80 bags per pallet (2 tons). However, I stopped selling it because the particle size is too small, screening wasn't all that reliable, and roots don't colonize in it. That is, the root tips don't penetrate and grow through the particles, like akadama.

If you want consistent, strong and happy trees use a well constructed soil mix, to start.
John

Like John I also sell turface and still do. I agree with John's basic description but find that it does benefit trees by absorbing and and releasing nutrients on a slow and steady basis every time your tree is watered. So a 10% by volume inclusion of turface into your inorganic soil mix will benefit your trees.

This is my humble opinion, as well as the manufacturers and a chemical company that we hired to do some research for a soil mix we plan to release.

[quote="Tachigi"]Anthony, being frugal is one thing...trying to substitute a tried and proven thing with something else and will be more costly in the long run. This has nothing to do with "correctness", being polite or what have you...its got a lot to do with akadama being the right ingredient in a soil mix...based on its composition /quote]

Then what was with all this? When you "welcomed me to the nut house" i didn't think you were serious! LOL

IDK if the pine bark speaks for your other products I'll be back for a bunch of turface nearing the end of winter. I couldn't find it on your site though. I'm resisting the temptation to bare root all my trees now as it is! Learned a bunch here. You guys rock!

Enjoy the weekend,
Anthony

Anthony,
Being a newb, I would sugggest that you be successful first, then show up and tell people how great something is. Or we will have to start calling you "Will".

Cheers,
John

OK what did I miss....cause I sure don't get what your last post implied Anthony.

When you "welcomed me to the nut house" i didn't think you were serious!

Wrong forum

Sorry Tom. It was something you had said in passing when I first joined. Meant nothing by it!!!

Didn't mean to seem to be telling anybody what to do... Don't really know if your talking about starting this thread or advocating the pine bark.

Either way guess I stepped on competing toes. Thanks to all who posted with the tips and tricks. Until I'm "successful" then...

ROFLOL nooooooo, you just started a soil thread.... they ALWAYS go over the edge. Soil is something that is very individual because we all have different trees, different climates and different budgets. It had to happen eventually! You just happen to be the lucky victim who stepped into the trap first.