The John Deere dealers can help you. There are several near you:

Pompano Beach 954-977-4445
Margate 954-977-6886
Plantation FL 954-584-4502
Ask for Allsport - same as Turface MVP

A good play would be to try Florida Silica Sand company in Dania Beach (954) 923-8323 for Turface MVP. If they don't sell retail, ask who they sell TO. You're going to have trouble finding the grit, so ask Florida Silica if they have screened silica sand in about 8 mesh. That would be a suitable substitute and about as good as the granite or cherrystone.

If you can't get to the Turface MVP or Allsport through any above, try Professional Supply in Palm City (561) 289-4511.

Sorry, but from here, I can't help with the bark ..... but look for orchid operations - especially grower/supplier ops. They'd be certain to have it in 3 cu ft bags in the Good luck. Maybe someone else can help with the bark. I REALLY hope you can get the large silica from FS.

Al

thank you Al, will try these places and give you an update soon.

Radha.

Al gave you lots of excellent places to check. Wow Al, are you sure you live in MI,lol...You the man!

Radha, I bought my Pine Bark fines at a local nursery...after many, many phone calls and trips to different nurseries. For me driving from nursery to nursery so I can "see" if they have the size I actually needed was the only way to find it. Most of them don't know exactly the size you are looking for and its best to look at the bags yourself. Describing it on the phone doesn't always work out,lol...

I live quite a ways from you so I can't help you with actual places...good luck with your search. It is well worth the effort, and once you find everything you need you will love it but more importantly so will your plants!

Al,

i looked at the website of fsscompany, and spoke to a nice man who answered the phone. he states they dont have silica in 8 mesh. but have some coarse sand, and asked me to come and take a look.

but their website has different sizes of gravel. take a look and tell me what you think.the web site is fsscompany.com

radha.

Radha,
I just checked that site, and it looks like the Filter Gravel and the Turface are good to go!

Josh

I agree - the 3/16 - #10 mesh filter gravel should be perfect.

You listening, Nance? All you need is a way to get it. Lol

Al

I'm all ears Al,lol. Wow!! They carry everything I need for your mix, they even have the crushed granite, its called Mountain granite. Looks to be the perfect size. Luckily, I have enough stuff in the garage to last me a while, but good to know that there's one four hours away(closest) to me, when I run out of everything. Just have to make a vacation out of it or take a bus there,lol...

BTW how much is .5 cf bags exactly or approximately?
Thanks Al for the great info.

Do you mean how much in volume? 1/2 cu ft is a little over 3 gallons.

Al

Exactly the info I was looking for...THANKS Al! I'm mathematically challenged,lol...

Radha
have you tried the "Bushel stop" nurseries?? They carry not only pine bark but fir bark fines. You can even get a dump truck load lol. gary

Thanks Gary. i was looking at florida forum and there was a mention about bushel shop and is not far from where i live. so i plan to go there this week for pine bark fines or better yet send my husband over with specific instructions. Just yesterday he was musing" radha, you have to be happy knowing there are beautiful plants out there and just be happy about it."

regards,
Radha.

Radha

If you only need a small amount of pine/fir bark you can look at pet stores for a reptile bedding product called ZooMed Reptile bark. This costs about $8 or so for a medium size bag but it's great for gritty or 5-1-1 soils. Also, it's pre-screened.

I bought pine bark fines, perlite, peat and dolimite at Nu Turf garden suppy on old dixie Hy just south of Sample road today, 31, Dec, 09. Thanks Al for the help. I grow in lg containers on tables. Has anyone tried using pine bark mulch for containers? I usually use straw. Thanks Sam