Ray I was wondering if you had ever tried diatomaceous earth as a perlite substitute.

After reading some of the success stories some were having starting seeds in it I was wondering if it might work. I can get large bags locally and at a lot more cost effective price than what I can find perlite. Takes 8 bucks in just perlite to do one container with miracle gro, pine fines, and perlite, 3-2-2 ratio.

The DE seems to have a lot of the same qualities as perlite.

Please give the DE at try and let us know if it works for you. My only concern is that the smaller particle size may not give you the aeration which perlite does.

Raybo

Well I did a search and found that I could order perlite from Home Depot in larger amounts that make it a lot more cost effective than buying it in 8 quart bags and the shipping to the store is free. I like to stick with what works if it is available.

So I had real issues with family members reliably watering the tomatoes last year and in the peak of summer they go dry fast. There's only so many hours in the day by the time I get home (watering in the dark is not fun). I was wondering about adapting the same system used by Alaska Grow buckets [url]http://www.alaskagrowbuckets.com/alaska-grow-bucket-guide/[/url]

Seems way cheaper than using the AWS system? Other ideas?

Hi Ken, this is the first time I've seen the Alaska grow bucket system, but it is extremely similar to a system that I've detailed in other posts over the past few years. The difference is that the Alaska system needs only 1 bucket (and thus maxes out probably at 4 gallons of media) and requires direct contact between the water and the bottom of the soil. You must be sure that all buckets are exactly level with one another and set the float valve perfectly. After figuring out the proper float valve level, I would mark the corresponding water level on the float valve reservoir and check in regularly as in my experience the valve can slip over time.

I think that this system is a great option for people who have small gardens and no outdoor water source (I'm my case, I grew on an apartment patio). I used a large trash can as a main reservoir and filled it up once a week either one 5-gallon bucket at a time from the bathtub or by rigging a garden hose to the kitchen faucet.

Where there's a will there's a way!

Wow!
I think this is a proof that ingenuity beats anything else.
I will nominate you for an award in the growing vegetables festival.

Moisture buffer vs. providing room to breathe
 

Dear Raybo,
Long-time fan and user of Earth Tainers. I have a question on the covering the top of the tainers with plastic. I think this is described in the instructions as a way to prevent moisture from escaping. I was wondering if you've ever tried a loose mulch instead - or even weed block fabric - as a trade-off, given the importance of getting air to the root systems. I mean, you talk a lot about the loose mix allowing the root system to breathe, yet, we're putting a plastic barrier right over the top, so it would seem a bit contradictory. Thoughts?
Thanks
Tom C.

Tom C.

I fully understand your logic.

While at the same time, you want to get air to the roots - you also want to curtail moisture evaporation. Even with the plastic moisture barrier, sufficient air does get to the root system - I guess it is all a mater of priorities - keeping the roots moist trumps air exposure.

The porous nature of the Perlite and air gaps between the Microbark will provide sufficient air exposure for the roots - that is why I never recommend people putting sand in their container mix.

Raybo :)

[QUOTE=Jaysan;417120]Ray I was wondering if you had ever tried diatomaceous earth as a perlite substitute.

After reading some of the success stories some were having starting seeds in it I was wondering if it might work. I can get large bags locally and at a lot more cost effective price than what I can find perlite. Takes 8 bucks in just perlite to do one container with miracle gro, pine fines, and perlite, 3-2-2 ratio.

The DE seems to have a lot of the same qualities as perlite.[/QUOTE]

Jaysan,
Did you ever try the DE in the mix?

[QUOTE=Tchamp77;466161]Dear Raybo,
Long-time fan and user of Earth Tainers. I have a question on the covering the top of the tainers with plastic. I think this is described in the instructions as a way to prevent moisture from escaping. I was wondering if you've ever tried a loose mulch instead - or even weed block fabric - as a trade-off, given the importance of getting air to the root systems. I mean, you talk a lot about the loose mix allowing the root system to breathe, yet, we're putting a plastic barrier right over the top, so it would seem a bit contradictory. Thoughts?
Thanks
Tom C.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=rnewste;466188]Tom C.

I fully understand your logic.

While at the same time, you want to get air to the roots - you also want to curtail moisture evaporation. Even with the plastic moisture barrier, sufficient air does get to the root system - I guess it is all a mater of priorities - keeping the roots moist trumps air exposure.

The porous nature of the Perlite and air gaps between the Microbark will provide sufficient air exposure for the roots - that is why I never recommend people putting sand in their container mix.

Raybo :)[/QUOTE]

For me, here on Long Island, the covers provide the equally important task of keeping excess moisture - rain - out.....

Sorry. Never did. Sticking with perlite. Was able to get two LARGE bags at a local greenhouse.

[QUOTE=Jaysan;466373]Sorry. Never did. Sticking with perlite. Was able to get two LARGE bags at a local greenhouse.[/QUOTE]

Oh well. If I do it I will post back here. One 'tainer might be worth the experiment. I love DE as a stand alone media, but combined with peat in an Earthtainer - Concerned it will act more like vermiculite and retain too much water. Only one way to find out I guess....

I think using DE intead of Perlite would be counterproductive. While fine for seedling propagation, in a production EarthTainer would cause the mix to be too wet, as well as reduce air circulation. Strongly advise against it.:no:

Raybo

[QUOTE=rnewste;466379]I think using DE intead of Perlite would be counterproductive. While fine for seedling propagation, in a production EarthTainer would cause the mix to be too wet, as well as reduce air circulation. Strongly advise against it.:no:

Raybo[/QUOTE]

Think you are right....

I disagree. DE actually makes the soil medium dry up way faster. Especially outdoors. I have stopped using it for that reason alone. Maybe using DE in the half way point of the container might help if wicking issues are a problem.