The best vermiculite

By 21Oak Published April 20, 2021

Vermiculite is almost magical in its abilities — it prevents root rot while providing essential moisture. It can replace soil in hydroponics and can be used to germinate seeds. Different grade and size vermiculite differ with each purpose. Here is a list of the best vermiculite online to help you choose the one fit for your garden.

Vermiculite is indispensable. It can be used to germinate seeds because it holds water that the seed can absorb slowly. It prevents compact soil by absorbing excess water and providing aeration. When you replace soil with vermiculite, you’re also allowing the plant to absorb other nutrients like calcium and ammonium for faster growth. You can also mix vermiculite into soil to prevent root rot and drying out. Let’s check out our top picks for the best vermiculite.

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Plantation Products Vermiculite

Best overall

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Plantation Products’ vermiculite is ideal for improving soil quality in large quantities. It does so by loosening soil, encouraging aeration, and holding onto water. Furthermore, it’s approved for germinating seeds and propagating seedlings. One pack contains 8 quarts of vermiculite.

PVP Industries Coarse Vermiculite

Best value vermiculite

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PVP Industries offers a 4-cubic-foot bag of vermiculite that’s free of asbestos. This particular vermiculite is coarse, which helps loosen soil and encourages moisture retention. When soil is loosened, roots can expand, and your plants can thrive even more. PVP Industries’ vermiculite is ideal for loosening compact soils like clay and improving soil moisture.

Espoma Organic Vermiculite

Best organic vermiculite

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If you’re seeking a completely natural vermiculite to lighten heavy soils, Espoma’s bag of organic vermiculture is your ideal choice. Heavy soils inhibit root growth, but vermiculite loosens soils to encourage root growth. One bag weighs 1.5 pounds, which is great for improving individual pots or smaller patches of the garden.

Vermiculite is better than a fertilizer — it helps roots grow, keeps soil healthy, and houses germinating seeds. Whether you’re looking to supplement your whole garden or a few potted plants, vermiculite will help keep your soil moist and loose for better aeration and root growth. Try any of the vermiculite bags on this list and witness the significant difference in your plants.

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Hacks & How-to's

These amazing plants actually repel mosquitoes

Avoid pesky summer bites the natural way

Stone pathway through a flower garden

With the arrival of warmer weather, enjoying outdoor activities often comes with the unwelcome presence of mosquitoes. Not only are these biters annoying, but they can also carry diseases such as Zika, West Nile Virus, and dengue fever. Fortunately, nature offers a solution in the form of plants that repel mosquitos. Incorporate these plants into your patio garden or landscape design and minimize your exposure to mosquitoes naturally this summer!
Herb plants that repel mosquitos

Herbs are not only great for cooking, but they can also serve as a natural barrier against mosquitoes. Many of these plants contain essential oils and compounds that mosquitoes find unappealing.
Catmint
Catmint, or Nepeta faassenii, is renowned for its ability to repel mosquitoes thanks to its high nepetalactone content, a compound also found in catnip that is a proven mosquito deterrent. A study by Iowa State University found that catmint is about 10 times more effective than DEET, the standard ingredient in commercial insect repellents. Planting catmint along borders or in pots on your patio can significantly reduce the presence of mosquitoes.
Citronella and citronella grass
Citronella is perhaps the most known plant for mosquito repellence. The oil derived from citronella grass is a common component in mosquito repellents, candles, and sprays. Citronella works by masking scents that mosquitoes are attracted to, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid, making it harder for these pests to locate their targets. Growing citronella plants and citronella grass in your garden containers can create a protective barrier around your outdoor leisure space.
Basil
Basil not only enhances your pizzas and pastas, but it also repels mosquitoes! This aromatic herb emits a pungent scent that we love, but mosquitoes find particularly offensive. The essential oils in basil, particularly estragole, are effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay. For best results, plant basil in pots near gathering areas or rub the leaves on your skin as a natural insect repellent.
Rosemary
Another delicious culinary herb, rosemary doubles as a mosquito repellent. Its woody scent is derived from the essential oils present in its leaves, which mosquitoes dislike. Rosemary can grow in both gardens and containers, making it versatile for different spaces and effective in mosquito control.
Mint
With its strong fragrance, mint is excellent at repelling mosquitoes. The essential oils in various species of mint plants can be extracted and used as a natural repellent. Additionally, mint spreads quickly, so it works well when planted in pots to avoid taking over your garden. Placing mint around the home can help keep mosquitoes away from entry points.
Flowers that repel mosquitoes

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The best ornamental grasses to beautify your yard

From ground cover to privacy, these grasses offer a ton of benefits

Country garden with a variety of ornamental grasses

Ornamental grasses are nature's paintbrush, adding elegance, texture, and movement to any landscape. Whether you're aiming for a serene garden retreat or a vibrant outdoor space, these versatile plants can be tailored to suit your aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Let's explore some of the best varieties to elevate your outdoor environment.
Visually striking ornamental grasses for focal points

Some ornamental grasses are so visually striking that they can serve as the focal point of your garden design. Their unique colors, shapes, and textures command attention, adding drama and personality to the landscape. Here are a few that are sure to make a statement in your yard.
1. Purple millet
With its dramatic purple foliage and striking seed heads, purple millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a show-stopping addition to any garden. This annual grass thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it perfect for adding a pop of color to borders, containers, or mixed plantings.
2. Dwarf pampas grass
Dwarf pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana "pumila") packs all the visual impact of its larger relatives into a more compact form, making it ideal for smaller gardens or containers. This perennial grass produces fluffy white plumes in late summer, adding a touch of elegance and interest.
3. Ravenna grass
Known for its towering stature and graceful arching foliage, Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae) creates a striking focal point in any landscape. This perennial grass thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil and is drought tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for adding vertical interest to your yard.
Mounding ornamental grasses that add texture

Hacks & How-to's

Plant these 8 perennial flowers to have blooms all summer long

Get a garden full of of colorful blooms for the whole warm season

Chair beside blooming flower garden

Do you love the look of colorful summer blossoms but hate having to replant every season? Well, get ready to fall in love with perennial flowers that bloom all summer long. With options that work in full sun, full shade, and a little bit of both, there are literally dozens of choices at your disposal.

For best results, check the growing information for the perennials you select before planting to make sure that they work with your soil type, amount of sun, and growing region. By taking a little bit of time to research and choose the right types, colors, and styles of perennials for your yard or container garden, you can enjoy vibrant, sweet-smelling blossoms all summer long.
Perennial flowers that bloom all summer