So yeah, #CoarseSand can be used instead of #Perlite and #Vermiculite (and I would sterilize it before using it).

However, I did read that coarse sand can be too sharp for some root systems? It's something to consider...

"Coarse, sharp, or builder sand, often used in construction, is a primary ingredient in potting media. Like peat moss, sand improves drainage and aeration but does not improve water-holding capacity. Too much sand will make containers too heavy to move. Sand should not be mixed with clay-based soil."

From #PennStateCooperativeExtension, Homemade Potting Media:
https://extension.psu.edu/homemade-potting-media

#SolarPunkSunday #PottingSoil #PottingMix #Gardens #Gardening

So, like #Perlite takes a lot of energy to produce, while #Vermiculite is mined! Not sure if there are alternatives to either of those out there. Maybe sterilized #CoarseSand? Hmmmm... Something to ponder...

Learn All About The Differences Between Perlite and Vermiculite

Written By: Robin Sweetser Gardener
January 11, 2026

"How do you know which is best to use in your garden—perlite or vermiculite? Some people think they are the same and used for similar purposes, but that’s not the whole story. Let’s look at the similarities and the differences and help you to pick the best one."

https://www.almanac.com/perlite-and-vermiculite-choosing-the-right-one

#SolarPunkSunday #PottingSoil #Gardens #PottingMix #Sustainability

I hadn't considered using #RiceHulls in a #PottingSoil mix. But I am definitely going to incorporate that into a #PeatFree mix, along with #CoconutCoir, #Perlite or #Vermiculite, and aged #Compost!

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #Sustainability #SeedStarting

Idag vaknade jag upp till en pall med #Perlite. #torpägare

#CactusMail came #today - hooray!

I'm very happy that this #cactus doesn't have to hang out in the post office over the holiday weekend!

Its an #Ogun #SanPedroCactus #tip #cutting from #Mallachts - a nice #ChonkyBoi from an awesome online vendor of #cacti

I've got it #rooting in #perlite

#SupportSmallBusiness #MallachtsPlants
#trichocereus #echinopsis #Ogun
#CactiOfMastodon #PlantsOfMastodon

Listing:
https://www.mallachtsplants.com/products/t-pach-ogun-bargain-oguns-grafted-10-12-tip-cutting

Ich teste gerade #Perlite, um #Obsidian-Vaults publizieren zu können.
Aber so simpel wie beschrieben ist es irgendwie nicht. Bei mir baut sich nix "von selbst" auf.
Hat das schon jemand von Euch hin bekommen?

Some personal news: my wife and I have not been able to enter our apartment for more than a few minutes at a time since 12/23 due to #perlite dust #contamination which is similar to #fiberglass. Tara had to go to the #er for breathing problems and severe pain that night and we've been in hotels and hostels ever since. #advice welcome. Should we stop paying #rent? #landlord won't clean it so we're having to pay out of pocket.