We needed a really big bulk order (about 40 cu ft) of perlite earlier this year, and called garden centers from Columbus to Cincninnati.

Steve at Good Seed Farm in Peebles, Ohio, got us the best deal - even with the cost of the the drive to get there. I'm sure he can also special order big quantities of vermiculite.

You might want to drop him a note through their website: http://www.goodseedfarm.com/

If you can combine pickup with one of his big plant sale days you could save a lot of money all the way around.

Tell him Lynda with the perlite sent you.

Lynda

have you heard of an article saying some vermiculite is contanminated with asbestus since they come from the same mines?

Asbestos is just micro 'shards' of minerals. They are harmful to people because they cause micro cuts in your lungs when inhaled that lead to infection easily. I read about the vermiculite scare ages ago and how they don't sell vermiculite with asbestos in it anymore. It wouldn't be smart to inhale vermiculite or any inorganic mineral anyhow.

According to this page here:
Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate which resembles mica in appearance. All vermiculite ores contain a range of other minerals that were formed along with the vermiculite in the rock. Vermiculite ores from some sources have been found to contain asbestos minerals but asbestos is not intrinsic to vermiculite and only a few ore bodies have been found to contain more than tiny trace amounts.

We carry vermiculite in 4 cubic foot bags. We always have it in stock. Right now it's $19.95 per bag.
Please check our website for hours and directions at www.goodseedfarm.com or call 937-587-7021

Here is a link that might be useful: GoodSeed Farm Country Garden Center

Dayton Hydroponics has Vermiculite in 4 cu ft bags and smaller. The 4 cu ft bag is $24.95

Here is a link that might be useful: Dayton Hydroponics