Almost exact! ;-)

The Fir bark is sifted through a 1/4" screen to keep what falls *through* - the bark material that is 1/4" or less is then sifted over either insect screen or an 1/8" sieve to remove the fine bark dust. Indeed, soak prior to use.

Josh

Thanks, Josh. I just realized my error and was going to make the edit, but you beat me to it ;)

To clarify, sift fine bark (pine/fir) through a 1/4" screen and keep what is on the BOTTOM. Then, sift again through 1/8" or 1/16" to remove the fine/dust. Then, you will keep what is on TOP.

Did I get that right?

Perfect!

Josh

Just a footnote ...
I read that, when using pine bark in the gritty mix, the size range could be increased to 3/8"-1/8". By doing that, I increased the usable portion of a 1 1/2 cu. ft. bag from 11 quarts to 19 quarts.

Not saying that will be the result with all pine bark products. Some brands will contain a higher proportion of pine bark fines; others will have a larger proportion of the small 'nuggets'; etc. It so happens that over 30% of the Jolly Gardener product I use was too large (over 1/4"). Increasing the size range to 3/8" cut that loss in half.

Given the low cost of pine (compared to Reptibark) and depending on how much gritty mix you use, increasing the size range may not be worth the time and effort. Of course, I'm one of those penny pinchers, so ... : )