Michael Hagedorn on 100% pumice soil

[Srt8madness]

This might just be that areas with cheap access to pumice happen to be wetter. Back when I lived in CA, pumice was cheap and you could buy it everywhere. In TX, if I want it I have to get it shipped in. I haven't found a cheap source for it out here so I've been using more perlite in its place.

It's not cheap, but I just ordered 2 cu ft. of pumice from build a soil for $80shipped.

 

[Goodbrake]

It's not cheap, but I just ordered 2 cu ft. of pumice from build a soil for $80shipped.

I can get coarse perlite for half that, which I'm experimenting with this year to see if it works as well.

 

[pandacular]

Perlite has a few weaknesses compared to pumice, namely that it breaks down when chopsticking and is so light that it can easily stratify. However, Andrew Robson uses it in some cases, which he values for making large trees less of back breakers.

 

[Goodbrake]

Perlite has a few weaknesses compared to pumice, namely that it breaks down when chopsticking and is so light that it can easily stratify. However, Andrew Robson uses it in some cases, which he values for making large trees less of back breakers.

Right now I'm using it for seedlings and stuff early in development. I suspect with something more developed the pros and cons of different soil components matter more.