I used that repti bark stuff when I made my batch of gritty and it worked just fine

Pip You are very resourceful to come up with lawnmower pine bark fines. I made my turface substitute by crushing old bricks with a hammer. The bricks were free and I had no granite or turface availability. I alway enjoy reading your advice.

You sat there just pounding away on bricks? You definitely have some patience. I tried to use scissors on the fur bark and got a cup before I said forget this.

I'm wondering if hammering the bag with a hammer or running it over with the car a few times would break it up suitably? I suppose a heavy duty blender would not be appropriate...

I read in the container gardening forum where someone used an old leaf blower/mulcher to make pine fines. Sounds like a cool idea. I may try it next spring. Here's the post explaining that:

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/2895790/my-solution-to-pine-bark-fines-for-als-tapla-5-1-1-mix

Also, I think you have an Orchid Supplier around your area? Is there Orchid Societies in your area? Let me know)

I assume you do! Looks at what's coming soon to your area.. The supplier Kelly's Korner has just the right size Fir Bark you could use with very little waste.It's the fine size or you could order the huge bag and have it mailed..Or you could find another supplier locally there.

******The 48th annual North Jersey Orchid Society Show and Sale was Friday January 16 through Sunday January 18 2015 at the Strawberry Blossom Home & Garden Center in Wayne NJ. We had spectacular orchid exhibits showcasing plants grown in homes and greenhouses across the tri-state area.************

We were featured on Verizon FIOS TV’s Push Pause NJ. Check here to see the video.

Workshops were held to show you how you can grow orchids in your home.

Show Ribbons, Best of the Blue Rosettes and Trophies were awarded.

Renown orchid vendors sold plants and supplies.

• Piping Rock Orchids
• OrchidPhile specializing in cutting-edge Phalaenopsis species & novelty hybrids. T
• Ten Shin Gardens
• Fairorchids offering Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, Vandaceous, and Lycastes
• Kelley’s Korner Orchid Supplies for your Orchid growing and horticultural needs.
• Victor’s Florist & ACME ORCHID CO. featuring high tech orchidariums and select cool growing species.
• New World Orchids specializing in orchids from Japan.
• J&L Orchids specializes in miniature and compact orchids .
• Parkside Orchid Nursery
• Marlow Orchids specializing in species orchids including Bulbophyllum, Dendrobium, Paphs, Phrags, Vandaeous, many others.
• This is the fir bark you want...
• https://www.google.com/search?q=fir+bark+fine+size&biw=1079&bih=502&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIhcGcgtKYyQIVRnQ-Ch3bUAWl#imgrc=lKDR9XjM92jL8M%3A
• And if you have an Agway near your home you could get this Southern Pine Bark which a always use too...
• https://www.google.com/search?q=fir+bark+fine+size&biw=1079&bih=502&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIhcGcgtKYyQIVRnQ-Ch3bUAWl#tbm=isch&q=agways+southern+pine+bark+mulch&imgdii=krK2Ix1hTot2eM%3A%3BkrK2Ix1hTot2eM%3A%3Be4yECEKEzmRyZM%3A&imgrc=krK2Ix1hTot2eM%3A
• https://www.google.com/search?q=fir+bark+fine+size&biw=1079&bih=502&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIhcGcgtKYyQIVRnQ-Ch3bUAWl#tbm=isch&q=agways+southern+pine+bark+mulch&imgrc=dx4ataPKfByzfM%3A

Make sure to get one with a metal blade. Plastic vs bark doesn't sound like a fair fight. Money on bark

Mike...wow, great info! I did recently contact the orchid society of n.j. and I will certainly try to attend the show so I can get my final ingredient. I know there isn't that much of a rush since I won't repot til the spring, but I want to be ready and hit the ground running lol

i also had a question regarding vinegar ( btw read your post about your poor plant...I will keep my fingers crossed and my money is on you :). My ph is between 7-8 and I add a tbs per gallon when I water my citrus. Should I be adding vinegar when I water all my other plants such as hibiscus, herbs such as basil, thyme, rosemary, lavendar etc.? Is there some book you would recommend that would give me this info? Hope it's not a stupid question. I'm learning so much here, but have a long way to go. Thanks for all your help