Well, since there seems to be no life here...I'll bump this on down.

Julie, I am no expert, but I mix mine with soil. Depends on what you want to do, pot up new young rose bands, start seeds [I use a seed starting mix for that] or just use vermiculite to break up heavy soil. If you put it on top, it is so light it will blow away when you water. My suggestion would be to mix it in the soil.

Hi Julie,

I'm no expert either but have had great luck rooting & starting seeds in one part vermiculite to one part peat moss. This makes for a loose light mixture which is what you need.

Good luck,
Beth