The MVP particle size is perfect. You'll find that the others are too fine textured for your use.

Turface won't increase the aeration of soils that are already heavy, unless you prepare the soil so Turface or other comparatively large particulates are the largest part of the soil by a considerable measure. It also won't do much to change the water retention of already heavy soils. Try to envision adding Turface to pudding in the hope of increasing aeration and drainage as an illustration.

Additionally, because Turface MVP particulates cover a wide size range, it is rather water-retentive if you don't screen it. Uniform particle size can be employed as part of a strategy that ensures very good aeration AND water retention.

Let me/us know if you want to talk more about a plan. ;o

Al

Thanks! What I want is more aeration in my potting soil for plumerias and was wondering if Turface would add that. I certainly don't need any more water retentioin!

I have found the large perlite sizes to be very helpful as an additive, but it is very hard to find around here. Also, it has been suggested I add pumice, which is also non-existent in this area, and shipping costs are too much.

Perhaps pine fines will help with aeration?

Sorry, I know this has all been beaten to death in other posts, but the threads are so long I don't have time to read them!

Sok - no problem (other posts). In order to increase aeration, your soil needs to have the largest fraction of ingredients comprised of larger particles. As an illustration, envision adding Turface or perlite to pudding or very fine sand, You can see in your mind's eye that neither of these components help reduce the ht of the PWT OR increase drainage, All they actually do is reduce the AMOUNT of water in the PWT because they take up space. You can also envision why Turface didn't work to increase drainage or aeration for you - same reason. You can actually take ingredients that would work well in one combination and combine them with one or two ingredients and come up with a soil that won't work well.

The mix that many use (referred to as 5:1:1) works because the bark component is large (particles), so it provides good aeration as the basis of the soil ..... and it's very durable. I just repotted a plumeria and started a bunch of cuttings for my brother and his grown kids this summer, and I put the plants in the gritty mix, which is what I use for all my long term plantings. Properly made, aeration, drainage, and durability (useful life of the soil) are never a problem because the planting becomes rootbound and in need of a repot long before the soil exhibits any symptoms of collapse. Actually, with only a 1/3 organic component and at the rate the bark breaks down, soil collapse is a non-issue no matter how long the soil is pressed into service.

Al

OK, sounds good! Thanks!

Dave

Dave,

I have to say it is so nice to see you over here in these forums...Alot of info to be had that will never leave you...

Mike..:-)

I don't quite understand why pine bark would be superior to turface. turface is "fired" clay
pellets, yes? If they are the major component would they not increase aeration and drainage?
In the "classic" 5:1:1 mix could one use 1 part Miracle Grow potting mix instead of sphagnum
peat moss?

It's not - sort of like wondering what's the more important car part, the tires or the wheels, engine or transmission, gas or oil .......

Yes, people often use their old soil or a soil that's inappropriate if used as is from the bag in place of the peat fraction in the gritty mix.

Al

Thanks for answering my second question.

Thank you and I must say those roots are quite convincing! I will look for pine bark and give
your triad of ingredients a test run! Your blogs on this subject are helpful! Thanks for your patience too, LOL!

What kind of tree is that Al?

Did you get a pic after you pruned the roots?

Rob

It's Euonymus alatus in early training, commonly - winged spindle, winged euonymus, or burningbush.

Al

Turface is actually not in pellet form, but crushed. That's an advantage in terms of surface area, a disadvantage if it isn't properly screened.

Nowadays in my area, All Sport is more readily available than MVP. It's the same Turface product, different marketing emphasis. I get about 60% usable product, either way.

I use the MVP - it makes a wonderful potting mix for plants that want to be well-drained. It has a much higher water holding capacity than coarse-textured soils. And it's very light, so moving large pots is a lot easier.

I also use Turface MVP; just bought 3 bags today and began sifting. I've actually found peace in the sifting process, which can be a pain in the turf-ass. I sit in my cushioned rocking chair in my shed, next to the fridge, that's conveniently stocked with ice cold beer. I get to watch the sun set in the evening, have a six pack, and sift a little Turface. I quite enjoy the experience these days.

As for Al and his Euonymus Alatus/Burning Bush; I have a couple of nice ones in the ground, that are shaping up to be some nice bonsai, thanks to the rabbits who do all of the pruning for me.......

Joe

Nice Joe! The one essential MUST HAVE ingredient in gardening that just never seems to get enough mention..."Ice Cold Beer!"