Anyone have any leads on affordable pearlite?

[TSD]

Any place I find a good price seems to be out of stock. Also, do I want coarse? It will be for outdoor growing, either fabric pots or in the ground... haven't decided yet.

 

[Ollieboy]

Any place I find a good price seems to be out of stock. Also, do I want coarse? It will be for outdoor growing, either fabric pots or in the ground... haven't decided yet.

Not sure how to add links directly from my amazon app but I got this awhile back & have been happy with it. Paid $39 for the 100L bag.

 

[TwitchVee]

mother earth has 4cubic ft bags, been considering it myself. Always buy bulk

 

[Madbud]

You can always make coarse smaller. I like pea-size grade 3.

 

[Pushrod Monkey]

Basically all you’re going to find at nurseries or grow shops is #3 coarse and it’s perfect for our purposes. I have not personally seen #2 perlite anywhere in a few years. We use it to make thermal concrete. We had to use #3 last year and felt lucky to get it at $50 for 4 cubic feet here. Alaska.

 

[TSD]

Basically all you’re going to find at nurseries or grow shops is #3 coarse and it’s perfect for our purposes. I have not personally seen #2 perlite anywhere in a few years. We use it to make thermal concrete. We had to use #3 last year and felt lucky to get it at $50 for 4 cubic feet here. Alaska.

Yeah you guys pay more for most things.

 

[Pushrod Monkey]

Yeah you guys pay more for most things.

Thank the 1920 Jones Act. It’s worse than the Mafia because it has the federal government enforcing it.

 

[SSgrower]

I reluctantly bought some Scott's last month & did not know of a shortage?

 

[Edinburgh]

Chunk pearlite is available at any garden store cheap, however stay away from miricle grow pearlite bc they add food.

 

[Homesteader]

Rice hull isn't exactly a substitute considering it retains water but depending on where you live you in the country, it can be significantly cheaper and may be a good replacement depending on your grow.

 

[SSgrower]

Chunk pearlite is available at any garden store cheap, however stay away from miricle grow pearlite bc they add food.

Yes, I am afraid of that with the Scott's but what to do? Wash the perlite and how many times,Lol.

 

[TSD]

Yes, I am afraid of that with the Scott's but what to do? Wash the perlite and how many times,Lol.

That's tricky... don't know how they get the food in it, I would say soak it in a tote of water then spray with a hose or power washer a few times and dump in between. Though that may break it up?