I prefer expanded shale for growing stuff but I use Perlite to grow seeds in.

I like Roottrapper bags the best of all because of white covering to keep the root system cooler from sun exposure.

I like expanded shale also . I use it in the garden to help with drainage and holding water in very porous soils. It is good for breaking up clay when used with compost. I also use Pumice in pots for mixing with potting soil for drainage. I get my Pumice at Calahan's feed store (austin) It comes under the name of Dry Stall. They use it in horse stables to keep the floor dry. Great stuff. Hard to find in Texas.

I will be using EcoScraps organic potting mix (coir, veggies, compost, bark fine, perlite). I am really worried about overwatering so I was thinking of adding more perlite. Then came across expanded shale idea and they are super cheap in Texas so I was debating. I will give it a try.

Where is it cheap, I live in Houston and it is entirely too expensive as compared with other option, IMO

a$14 for 40lbs expanded shale. $19 for 40lbs of Pumice .

Expanded shale is $5.95 for 40 lbs at Home Depot in DFW.

ES is not available at the HD in Austinâ¦Bummer.

Wow for 5.95 I will load up next time I'm in big D

Have you tried Cornelius nursery in Houston? They might have it because Calloway's has it here $10 for 40 lbs.

I'll ck it out. Tks. I always forget Cornelius and calloways are connected