Hi Randy and All, The only time I use vermiculite (with perlie) 50/50, is when I'm rooting something. My mixture is remarkably similar to Randy's. I use 50% commercial mix (ProMix BX), 10% coarse (drilling) sand, 10% de-salinated small coco-chips, 10% small bark chips, 10% pumice and 10% small charcoal chips. Since I live in Cambridge (Boston) MA and my plants spend their summer outside, I need a growing medium that will drain quickly due to our rather frequent down pours. Regards, Fred -----Original Message----- From: pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Randy.R Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 11:49 AM To: pbs@lists.ibiblio.org Subject: [pbs] Growing medium Lots of suggestions for growing medium. I don't see Vermiculite in anyone -elses- medium. Is there a reason for that? My medium is 50% commercial potting mix (usually Miracle Grow), 10% coarse sand, 10% vermiculite, 10% chicken gravel, 10% perlite, 5% coir, 5% compost. I'll typically add extra vermiculite to the top inch or so if sowing seeds, and use vermiculite to cover most seeds. I add some extra sand in the case of plants that require extra good drainage. Randy R