Yes Rick, I've used it in that way. I was given a giant 4ft high bag of builders grade vermiculite (used for insulation?) and mainly used it to bulk up lightweight composts for hanging baskets etc. Have seen it used on one of the Gardening programmes here in the UK, it allows light to reach small seeds whilst germinating as its translucent, it also insulates and retains water. Not as static or 'floaty' as perlite which I do use, but continue to detest for those reasons!

Gill

It's excellent for sowing, Rick. It's the best medium for cacti and mesembs, for example, which needs to be moist for the first year and yet fast-draining at the same time. And it doesn't stink when nuked in the microwave oven.

Pagan

Rick, I have used it for top dressing of seeds with success. Vermiculite does not harbor soil borne diseases, thus preventing damping off. When my Adenium seeds arrive next week I will be using it on some of them.

Joe