Screen size for fir bark/gritty

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

Hey, I'm kind of new here but not really new to the forums in general. I made a couple sieves but the 1/8" didn't work to well for the turface MVP/Granite...I know this post has been touched on but it seems so many people do the screening with different sizes 2/3" 1/4" 1/8" etc...I know the optimal size is 1/2"-1/8" for bark...I am redoing my 1/8" to an metal 1/16"insect sieve because I only want two sieves to make it easy space and money wise...I am wandering mainly what size should I use for the bark 1/8" or 1/4" like already have...I want to get these going already have a lot pre mixed already in the big blue tote bins. I am planning on doing a citris and some type of herb in a smaller pot 5/1/1 mix which I have been reading about is decent for citris trees and do I need perlite with the 5/1/1 mix? I am hoping I can staple my 1/8" screen over top the 1/4" not too sure if both are necessary. These posts has given me good ideas http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1390758/al-taplas-gritty-111-mix-crushed-granite

//forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1379073/container-soils-water-movement-and-retention-xv

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/2966053/how-to-finish-off-my-gritty-511-mix?n=15

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Comments (11)

addicted2plants Southern IL USA
11 years ago
I'm using 1/16th inch sieve. I've seen others post about using a 3/16th but they are difficult to find.
flgrown1
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Would't 1/16" be too small for bark? I know that's a good size for the MVP
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addicted2plants Southern IL USA
11 years ago
Yes, sorry I was referring to the gritty parts. Not sure about the bark size.
addicted2plants Southern IL USA
11 years ago
So in my additional reading folks are using Pine Bark FINES in their gritty mix. This would indicate a smaller particle size than the 1/16", do you agree? It sounds like you are looking to use larger pieces of bark. Hopefully some of the more experienced folks can help out with this question. Personally I am using coco coir pieces instead of bark but that is my preference. Best of luck flgrown1.

Tracy
rcharles_gw (Canada)
11 years ago
I have purchased Reptile Bark and use with other plants, but I have used to date, Coconut Husk Chunks. The size is smaller then the bark and I have had good success with it.

This works for me here.

Rick
sweethearth2015
11 years ago
Just bought Reptile Bark by one get one free for $9.98. I am mixing it with hydroton and sponge rock i already have and peat mix. I will plant desert rose and some hoyas in that mix and go from there.
User
11 years ago
sweethearth, watch out for that hoya! I nearly killed my one and only when I potted it up in gritty mix after receiving it. It turned out it needed way more water for at least the first two weeks and was drying out so fast, the leaves were wrinkling. It seems fine now.
Is spongre rock pumice?
Pagan
rcharles_gw (Canada)
11 years ago
That is very true as for the Hoya's. An acquaintance set me up with a mix using some of the similar products I use for my Adeniums.

I use the bark, diatomite & good potting soil mix together.

Rick
ladylotus
11 years ago
Pagan, that is so very true. I think a lot of people like the gritty mix as they tend to over water plants in potting soil. I mixed up a bunch of gritty mix and almost lot a lot of plants. Sad to say but I do not have time to water every day. So for me, potting soil works best.
Al Sharp
11 years ago
Fir, I bounced around from different screens just as you did. I settled in 1/4 inch hardware cloth and it seems to be working out fine ;-)...pun intended!

Timothy
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
11 years ago
I use 1/4 inch for my fir bark as well. Works great!!

Laura