Pumice

Description

Pumice

Pumice is a 5 to 10 mm volcanic aeration grit used in place of perlite. It keeps air and drainage in a potting mix or living soil and, unlike perlite, it does not crush or break down, so it suits soil that is recycled grow after grow.

At a glance

• Type: media, mineral aeration
• Grade: 5 to 10 mm
• Use for: aeration and drainage in potting mix, living soil and no-till beds; perlite replacement
• Rate: 10% to 30% of most soil mixes for vegetables and flowers
• Bulk: 500 kg and 1000 kg; email [email protected] for a quote

What it is

A light, porous volcanic rock screened to 5 to 10 mm. It is the aeration in our Living Soil v2 and Superior Potting Mix.

What it does

• Its pores and the gaps between the grains hold air in the mix and let excess water drain, so roots get oxygen.
• It is a hard rock, so it keeps its shape through repeated mixing and recycling where perlite breaks down to dust.
• Growers soak pumice in a nutrient or compost tea before use, in the same way as bio-char, so its pores start off loaded rather than empty.

How to use

• Use 10% to 30% pumice by volume in most soil mixes for vegetables and flowers.
• Recommended with Potting Mix and other soils where you want more air and drainage.
• Optional: soak in a nutrient tea before mixing, as you would charge bio-char.

Learn more in fifteen seconds

• Soil structure
• Water deep, water seldom

Handling and storage

• Wear a mask to avoid inhaling particles and open the bag in a well ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and eye protection, and wash hands after use.
• Once opened, keep the bag sealed and dry.