Hi Dave,

I 'll try to explain... You want all of the particles around the same size for proper aeration. This is how the Gritty Mix works. Most of the particles are with in the range of 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch. Nothing larger and nothing smaller.

The Pine bark can be difficult to find. That is why i buy the Reptile bark at Petsmart. Some use it right from the bag, but i like to screen it to get the smaller parts that pass thru the 1/4 in screen and use this for the Gritty Mix. The left over Fir bark i sometimes use to top dress plants and may even use it in my mix for an amended type of gritty mix.

The Granigrit that i gave to you last year does not need any screening. I dont even wash it. I scoop it right from the bag.

Turface needs to be screened to remove the "fine" particles aka "dust" You do not want any smaller dust particles to be in the gritty mix because this will all find its way to the bottom of the container making more of the problem of a perched water level. The whole idea for Gritty Mix is to help with aeration and minimize the perched water levels in the mix. ALllowing for the roots to be as healthy as they can be.

WHen i "screen the Turface" i just use a strainer that you can pick up at you local Kmart or Target and use this.

Here are some pics.

It really is easy...sounds difficult, but i know you have the Turface, Granigrit. You just need to get the Reptibark use that, then look for a different source of bark if you like it. I know you are usuing a different mix, but if you want to try this on your DR's and things.. You will really like it.

Here are some pics to help you..

Strainer for Turface... Target...

This is what my mix looks like.. all parts..

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Mixed together.. i also like to wet the mix to keep some moisture in the mix and it stays seperated better.. Just a hint!! : )
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Dave.. here are the screens my DH made for me. They are rather large, but i use them on the ground because they are so heavy.. He tried to make them big and "useful" But i cant hold them, so i put my mix in the screen area and move my hand around to collect the Fir Bark that falls thru the 1/4 in screen. You can even use the screen over a wheel barow or over a tarp. This works to. You can find small relacement screening in a roll at the Hardware store or the big Box stores..
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He made two screens one was 1/2 inch and the other was 1/4 inch. I only use the 1/4 inch.

i will look for a link to help you understand the mix.

It is really simple once you do it for the first time.

1 part Turface or Napa Floor Dry # 8822
1 part Gran-i- grit or Cherrystone # 2
1 part Pine Bark Fines or Fir Bark 1/4 inch to 1/8 in in size.

i tablespoon of Gypsum per gallon of mix. ( i dont use this because i use the Foliage pro) this fert has all that you need for the proper balance of nutrients and fertilizers.

I hope this explains the screening better.

ALL you do is to take the bark and get it to the appropiate size. Eliminate the fines and you are good to go. I also use the Turface fine to sow seeds. WOrks great.

If you still have any question.. ill try and help!!

Take care Dave!!

Laura

Laura, thanks so much. LOVE the photos.

So you have a 1/4" screen and a 1/2" screen. But you only use the 1/4"? And you only use what falls through the 1/4" screen, right?

So what % of Reptibark might be usable?...that is how much of it can fall thru this screen? It's rather expensive if only a small %. I am potting up to 5 gallon plants now.

So then of what falls thru the 1/4" screen, THEN you put THAT in your strainer to remove dust?

Would a porch window screening material work as well? I could create another screen box with that I suppose. It's metal so should hold up. I have some left from an attic fan project.

Do I have the sequence correct? I'd have to take a whole day off work to build screens. LOL!

Hey Dave,

I only use the 1/4 inch screen and use what falls through after i use my hands and move it around. Like panning for gold. Round and round..LOL!!

The remaining bark on top can be used in containers and you can use this. But i want mine to be exactly the size... I know.. I am a mess! : )

The strainer is only used for the Turface to shake that around and remove the dust from the Turface. Thats it...

That type of insect screen would work well, But it is so easy to just get a strainer at wally world for 3 bucks!!!

If you do decide to build screens like mine. Use smaller pieces of wood and not 2x4's Maybe even something smaller. You dont't need them to be "commercial size" either... MY DH triedto make them solid for me.. He really did a great job, but honestly...they re way to heavy, so i take my screen that he made with insect screen put that one on the ground, then place the 1/4 inch screen on top and then roll around the Fir bark...

I just read on another forum when you could fine this orchid bark that is the perfect size too! It might be something to look at.. The size says 1/4 to 1/8 inch in size.. This would be better than the percenatge of bark collected with the Reptbark screening.. I would say that i would have 50% from the bag that is useful size. But remember, i will use the other Fir bark when im making a more relaxed type of mix for the trees. So i use all of the Fir Bark...

I like to have the right size Gritty Mix for certain things like newly barerooted Plumeria, DR's C&S.

http://www.tropicalplantproducts.com/tpp/products/189-2cf-fine-orchid-bark.aspx

That looks good to me!!!

You seem to have it all in sequence!! : ) Have fun with the screens.. He also put handles on the sides of the screens. : )

Im so glad you likes the pics!!!

Good luck with them...

I will also look for pics from AL's screens. He made them and that is what my DH used to go by when he made mine.. ill go look for the pics..

Take care Dave!!

Laura

Dave , i found a pic of Al's screens..

hope this helps..

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If you want more info and want to reread this link.. i will attach it for you!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Containers Soils ANd Your Plants nutrition.

Laura and Dave:

Thanks to you both for a great, informative post. I just wanted to quickly chime in and tell you, Dave, that I have bought 2-cu. ft. bags of sequoia bark fines (that's what the producer calls them--but the bag also says "1/4--1/8 in.") from my local orchid supply store. The price is a bit steep at $35, but, this is a superior product that I have found is 100% ready-to-go, no screening required.
Just an fyi.
good luck, Dave! My trees that are in the gritty have healthy, pure white roots...it's great.

Greg

Greg,

Thanks. There are a few orchid shops around. I will check with the closest one.