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josko021

Replacing Perlite with sand

josko021
13 years ago

I'll use about 3 doz 18" x 16" flats for starting veggie seeds this winter. I used to make my potting soil with 1/3 peat, 1/3 sterile compost, 1/3 Perlite and a bit of wood ash and fertilizer, and have been happy with the results. This year, I can't find Perlite locally (except in 8 qt Miracle Gro bags) so I'm wondering about substituting sand for Perlite. What differences should I expect, and what type/coarseness of sand should I use? Here on Cape Cod, there's no shortage of sand, and I can pretty much pick the coarseness I need. I would also sift it.

Thanks in advance.

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