I know this isnt what you asked about but I use proÂs Choice Soilmaster. ItÂs nearly the same thing as Turface, ItÂs fired clay (it maybe the same thing), anyway, it works just as well. I get it from a local landscape supply company for $8.00 a 50 lbs bag. If you can find the product, try it. It comes in brown, red, charcoal, green.

Different products - different prices. I think turface is a little pricey. I try to find it on sale. But I also think it has a different function than vermiculite. Maybe someone can explain better.

Turface is a calcined (baked at very high temps) clay product that is almost like a very porous ceramic granule when finished. It retains its structure and durability in soils indefinitely. Therein lies its value in soils, along with the fact that its irregular shape promotes macro-porosity (big air pores) and its inherent porous properties make it water retentive.

I buy Turface by the pallet (40- 50 lb bags) and pay a few cents under $8 wholesale. I view vermiculite as being of marginal value in container soils. It breaks down and has a tendency to lose its loft quickly. I rarely use it except as a medium for starting cuttings or seeds. Perlite, on the other hand, is inexpensive and an excellent choice in container soils, especially soils for herbaceous plantings and vegetables. I haven't used or seen the PC Soilmaster Warren mentioned, so cannot comment on it.
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Turface on left

Al

Thanks for the info., folks.

I still want to know though, about what volume is a 50-lb bag of Turface! Is it the 1.5 cubic ft. that I read?

Yes, Anney. Perhaps just a little more than that. It (a 50 lb bag) will fill 2 - 5 gallon buckets plus a little left over, if that helps any.

Al

Thanks, Al. I'm thinking of adding Turface to my container soil repertoire and wanted some idea of how much volume is in the bag so I could know what kind of proportions I can manage with the money I can put into it. I've bought soil & conditioners gradually each month and next month will be the last time for this season.

Warren,

I'll keep on the lookout for Choice Soilmaster. You'd think in this huge (North Atlanta) area that you could find just about anything but this Turface took a lot of calls to find. The large nursery supply company I buy from had never heard of it and won't order it for me. I finally found a pool supply company that sells it. If I can find the same thing that you recommend cheaper, I'll bless you!