perlite vs. diatomaceous earth

[habitat_gardener]

For containers -- it looks like perlite is about double the cost of diatomaceous earth, and DE is a lot easier to find locally. So is there any reason to choose perlite as part of a container mix?

[Cole_Robbie]

Have you priced the perlite in the big bags, three cubic feet? It's about $20 here. The same size bag of vermiculite is similar, about $18.

[Ricky Shaw]

I think DE is more like vermiculite than perlite.

[Ricky Shaw]

Not quite as water retentive as vermiculite, but much more so than perlite.

[Ricky Shaw]

Also, don't know if you'd seen this. RayR outlines some DE properties and pH ranges in this post.

I like DE and am using it in several pots to see what differences it might make over straight promix HP.

[ScottinAtlanta]

This is a helpful thread, since I am transiting from vermiculite to something.

Is this the same as DE? It is a clay absorbent from Georgia.

http://www.oildri.net/Gran_Premium.html

[zeuspaul]

Originally Posted by ScottinAtlanta

This is a helpful thread, since I am transiting from vermiculite to something.

Is this the same as DE? It is a clay absorbent from Georgia.

http://www.oildri.net/Gran_Premium.html

No it is not the same. DE is not clay. I have used both and I prefer DE.

[JLJ_]

Originally Posted by Ricky Shaw

Also, don't know if you'd seen this. RayR outlines some DE properties and pH ranges in this post.

I like DE and am using it in several pots to see what differences it might make over straight promix HP.

I went over and read the section of the DE thread that you quoted -- I didn't realize that there had been ownership/product name changes -- been using from a large bag I have and haven't been using large quantities . . . but I'm about to mix up some things for filling summer tomato containers (if the frost ever stops, here).

What product name/number are you using in your containers?

[Ricky Shaw]

We've bought this stuff for years at work, never realized the gardening potential. Eagle Picher makes about 75% of this stuff under different labels and various grinds. It's cheap and clean media.

In 4" and 6" pots adding 10%, it cut watering by 20%, and I'd assume nearly all of that is attributable to evaporation. I doubt the percentage will be that high in large pots outdoors, but I'm thinking it should be noticeable.

[JLJ_]

Thanks for reply.

What I have been using was the UltraSorb, which I understand is not distributed -- at least under that name -- any longer? Haven't had a chance to check the number on the bag.

Could be that the Floor Dry is the same thing.

It's been quite a while since I read the long DE thread, but as I recall, there was discussion about the source of DE -- there were reasons that DE mined at a particular location(s) had some property -- or was free of some property -- that made it more desirable, and that was a reason for using the UltraSorb (among others, I think). Is that something that is familar to you?

I was always able to get the UltraSorb at the local O'Reilly's -- and there's now an AutoZone across the street from them -- which I expect they do not appreciate -- but does mean another source for this grade of DE, if I'm sure what I'm looking for.

[Ricky Shaw]

I do not know what the difference is, hoping someone might chime in. The MSDS are nearly identical >99% DE, and <1% respirable quartz. Nothing of mine has died from using the stuff in the picture, if that helps.


MSDS Floor Dry/ Play Ball Eagle Picher
https://tai-epminerals-blue-producti...pdf?1447442488


MSDS UltrsSorb
http://econtent.autozone.com:24999/z...ds/en/US/36015

[habitat_gardener]

I ended up getting perlite ($18.50 a bag with tax at HD). The deciding point was the much lighter weight. Also, for some reason I thought the DE had larger particle sizes, and for my purposes I need a more lightweight, better draining mix rather than a more water-retentive mix.