More Coco Coir In Soil To Replace Perlite?

[NoScope209]

Hey guys,

So I'm waiting for my 15 gallon smart pots and I'm trying to figure out the potting mix I'm going to use. I've so far got a 5kg brick of coco coir. Perlite is really expensive here so I'm wondering if I just add say 30% coco coir to the mix will that help with drainage? The rest of mix I plan to use 50% store bought potting mix and 20% compost. The store bought stuff compacts a bit. I'm using it alone for my plants now but it isn't working out. It's for 3 15 gallon fabric pots so perlite would be very expensive.

 

[Northernpop]

Unfortunately I also can't find anything as good as perlite for opening soil and trapping air. Vermiculite is like a sponge, and not good at all.

It'll get heavy, but you could add a % of washed horticultural sand/grit. It's worth a thought.

Happy growing !!