Hi, Jean - I bought a 2 gallon bag of vermiculite about 10 years ago, and I still have about a gallon left. I very rarely use it in soils because I'm usually trying to REDUCE water retention instead of increase it; and vermiculite breaks down very quickly. I honestly don't see (and I don't have) much use for it in container media.

Al

It is true you probably have a lifetime supply of vermiculite. I only use it for some seed starting mixes and have not bought any in the last 20 years, but I would not want to not have ANY. I also keep mine in 30 gallon garbage cans, but I have plenty of room. My vermiculite is a pretty course particle, but I use a cheap spice chopper when I need it smaller. Al