Square foot gardening.

[Tadpole123]

My chives are perennial. I stick a few radishes in at the start and end of the year around them. Makes it feel more productive.

[Noosner]

Thanks BM and Tadpole. I'm noticing how SFG deepens knowledge and appreciation. Picked the last of some lettuce yesterday and really enjoyed digging more stuff into the vacant foot, picking out the little stones that had materialised and replanting. Before SFG, I had a more general view of the garden, not so detailed.

[Bigmallly]

It's good to know you are enjoying it Noosner, yes you do see it in a different light & also treat it differently. I find I pay more attention to the SFG bed due to the different maturity days.

[maverick451]

Where are people getting their vermiculite from? looking to buy cheap in bulk

[Noosner]

I got mine from B&Q. It wasn't exactly cheap - I think about a fiver for 10L, but it did seem to go a heck of a long way when mixed with the other ingredients.

[Noosner]

Let me know if you find a cheaper supply anywhere though.

[maverick451]

Yeah I got some from B&Q but it would cost me a small fortune to fill up my beds with those.

The cheapest ive sold so far is about £44ish for 200L on ebay, I dont think ill use 1/3 vermiculite, its just too expensive although I have to admit when I did the mix a few years ago the soil mix was a joy to work with, so light and fine.

It also breaks down after a few years aswell.

[Tadpole123]

Let me know if you find a cheaper supply anywhere though.

Wilkinsons £3.75 for 10 ltrs

[Noosner]

I've only used about an eighth vermiculite, on expense grounds. Didn't know it broke down with time! Thanks for Wilko's tip, Tadpole.

[veggiechicken]

Does this help?
http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ion_77264.html

[Noosner]

That helps a lot, VC.

Also I just googled and discovered you can get 100L for £23 on Amazon, free delivery, which isn't too bad and certainly cheaper than Wilko's. Feel like a numpty for paying nearly a fiver at B&Q. What a rip-off!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...OKL5A1OLE&pf_r

[maverick451]

That looks a pretty good price

[maverick451]

Just to add

Ive done a bit of searching, the company that produces the bags PLant !T sells though their hydrogarden company and using the following page you can search for a local company that stocks the vermiculite

Ive found a local hydroponics company a few miles away so I can pick up 100l for £20

https://www.hydrogarden.com/find-retailer.asp

[Noosner]

Oh that's very good, Maverick! No store near me, unfortunately, so I might as well pay for delivery.

[veggiechicken]

Try a builders merchants or a fireplace installer. They use it for insulating chimneys (I think).