Vermaculite

[poohbear]

Is this safe to use in an organic garden?

[jeanette]

heres a little of what i found

Vermiculite is one of the best-known potting-mix additives or amendments. It's a naturally occurring mineral that's been used for decades to aerate heavy soil and to hold in moisture and nutrients. While it looks harmless enough, though, it may actually pose a hidden health risk to gardeners.

Recent tests conducted by EPA investigators found that five of 16 randomly purchased bags of vermiculite contained deadly asbestos; in one sample, asbestos fibers actually became airborne (meaning it's breathable).

You don't necessarily have to stop using vermiculite, but you should take precautions against possible asbestos contamination. Asbestos has been linked to a number of deadly diseases, including asbestosis and lung cancer. Master gardener Paul James suggests ways you can protect yourself:

Always work outside when using vermiculite.
Cover your face and nose with a mask capable of trapping asbestos fibers.
Keep the vermiculite and other potting-mix materials moist to minimize dust.
Wash your clothes after coming in contact with vermiculite, but don't shake the dust off your clothes in the house. Once asbestos gets into your house, chances are it's going to be there forever.
The EPA says that placing a ban on products containing vermiculite would be irresponsible without further study, and James tends to agree. After all, not all vermiculite products contain asbestos. So, just to be on the safe side, be sure to take precautions when handling the substance or consider switching to perlite, a volcanic substance that works as well as vermiculite.

[mckenzygirl]

Oh my gosh!
I didn't know that Vermaculite had "asbestos fibers" in it.
I used it one time awhile ago, when I lived in southren Minnesota, used it outside, but didn't use a mask! that bites!
Learn something new everyday!
Thanks for posting this info Jeanette!

[poohbear]

Thank you! Those were some of my concerns! I appreciate the helpful tips!

[Pharmer Phil]

Jeanette, you are correct, it also comes in different size particles, for varied applications.
I know where there is a quanity of well over 500 pounds; However, it's size, is that of sand, and almost a powder, this would do wonders in the garden, not as well as the larger particles, but the matter of handling it is my concern.
Perlite is good too, but caution needs to be taken when used also due to the size, as it can be inhaled, and I can say from experience that 'perly' in the eyes is no fun!

[Compost Pharmer]

I bought some 'Expanded Shale' to try to break up the black clay in my garden. It is supposed to hold mositure so you don't have to water as often. I will till it in the garden this fall and see if it works next year.

www.railport.com/downloads/products/expanded_shale_&_clay/a&m_study.ppt

[Songbird]

Hmmm!!

[Steel Magnolia]

I had no idea of the dangers of vermiculite. Good info since I recently got a few hundred pounds in plastic sacks given to me at no charge.
My back yard soil is very, very dense and needs that type of amendment. I also like using about half vermiculite and half potting soil in hanging baskets/pots to lessen the weight of the container and to enable the container to retain more water. I can't get around to watering every single plant every day because I have too many for one person to handle that intensely.
Lord knows that Free is always the right price for my budget, lol. Guess I'll put on some haz-mat gear to handle that stuff just like I do when I have to use a chemical spray.

[Steel Magnolia]

gar said:

I bought some 'Expanded Shale' to try to break up the black clay in my garden. It is supposed to hold mositure so you don't have to water as often. I will till it in the garden this fall and see if it works next year.

www.railport.com/downloads/products/expanded_shale_&_clay/a&m_study.ppt

Thanks. I got some good info from the presentation.

[Compost Pharmer]

If you use it, please let me know if it works for you. The Dirt Doctor, a well known organic person in the Dallas Ft. Worth area, always talks about it on his radio shows so I thought I would give it a try. I hope it helps with the black clay I have for my garden. I till in lots of compost each fall. The soil is continualy improving. If you want to listen to his programs, he is on Saturday mornings from 11:00 to 12:00 CST and Sundays 08:00 to 12:00 on the internet at WBAP.com. He gets calls from all over the United States. Phil was a member of his forum until they started charging to post or answer questions. I dropped out in July. I will not pay for something like that.

[Pharmer Phil]

gar said:

If you use it, please let me know if it works for you. The Dirt Doctor, a well known organic person in the Dallas Ft. Worth area, always talks about it on his radio shows so I thought I would give it a try. I hope it helps with the black clay I have for my garden. I till in lots of compost each fall. The soil is continualy improving. If you want to listen to his programs, he is on Saturday mornings from 11:00 to 12:00 CST and Sundays 08:00 to 12:00 on the internet at WBAP.com. He gets calls from all over the United States. Phil was a member of his forum until they started charging to post or answer questions. I dropped out in July. I will not pay for something like that.

Actually Greg I dropped out before that, I found his attitude quite pompous, and his advice 'trivial' Sorta, Jerry Baker'ish' ( another...I'll give you advice, but BUY MY TIME, sorta guy) ::...I mean , C'mon Garret Juice? Put His name on something organic gardeners have used for years That was actually the final straw for me, I read many posts, shared some advise, both given and received from Phine Pholks Like You, then someone mentioned garret Juice _{jus' My 2 cents worth}

[Compost Pharmer]

I read a post on his web site about someone who tested Garret Juice and found it that is has nothing special in it. I feel it is just a ploy to make money because it has his name on it. I have never bought it, and never will. I make my own compost tea and use as a folair spray. It works fine for me and the plants. I would rather take the $25 and buy organic products, then subscribe to his magazine and web site. Besides I get much more information from your site, and others, and don't need to spend money to subscribe to it.
I must thank you for such an excellent forum. Keep up the good work and thanks for inviting me to join yours.
PS: People are dropping out of the Dirt Doctors forum faster then they are joining it.

[Pharmer Phil]

Thank You Greg, as for the pholks over at DD, round em' up Greg, we can use a few more gardeners here,,,besides, I'm gettin' all Pumped up for another Long winter of spewing advice ;D ;D