Is there a vermiculite shortage?

Vermiculite – Vermiculite (and to a lesser degree, perlite) is a challenge even during normal times due to the fact that production is a challenge. We anticipate extreme shortage of the material this year, with total unavailability for the first half of the year a real possibility.

Why is there a vermiculite shortage?

The growth is mainly due to the companies rearranging their operations and recovering from the COVID-19 impact, which had earlier led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of commercial activities that resulted in operational challenges.

Why is there a Perlite shortage?

COVID affected some of the mining, so that created some delays. The snow in February then created additional shipping delays.” Jerry continues, “But a bigger reason for the Perlite shortage is the number of states legalizing cannabis and marijuana.”

What is vermiculite do?

Vermiculite helps to aerate soil while simultaneously retaining water and nutrients, which it then releases over time. Vermiculite is therefore useful in seed sowing and propagation. It can also be added to house plant compost.

What is Perlite used for?

Perlite is used in soil mixes (including soilless mediums) to improve aeration and modify the soil substructure, keeping it loose, well-draining, and defying compaction.

Benefits of Vermiculite - Garden Quickie Episode 48

Which is better vermiculite or perlite?

Both perlite and vermiculite have neutral pH levels and retain water well. Vermiculite, however, has a reputation for holding a greater amount of water than perlite does. Therefore, perlite would be a better choice for desert climates where succulents grow or for plants like rhododendrons that require less moisture.

How do you make homemade perlite?

What can I use instead of vermiculite?

What are the dangers of vermiculite?

By not disturbing the vermiculite, you are reducing your chances for exposure to asbestos. If vermiculite is disturbed, it could cause tiny, needle-like asbestos fibers to become airborne. Asbestos in the air can be inhaled and cause lung damage. If asbestos is not in the air, it is not dangerous to your lungs.

Does Lowe's sell vermiculite?

Burpee Organic Vermiculite Improves Soil Structure in the Soil Amendments department at Lowes.com.

Is there a plant shortage this year?

As per the data in the report, plants and trees currently in short supply are selling for on average 20% higher prices compared to last year. Plant shortages in recent years have been exacerbated due to the simultaneous effects of COVID-19, extreme weather events and changing consumer preferences.

Is there a coco coir shortage?

In the past 20 years, the production and processing of coir pith has increased from 1 to almost 10 million m3 in 2019. Despite the success, the demand is high and many suppliers already cannot supply enough product to meet the demand—and that was before COVID.

Is there a peat moss shortage 2021?

It appears this is a nationwide problem and almost no one is immune from its effects. Peat moss is just one example of a critical growing component that's in short supply. Many of the peat bogs in eastern Canada fell between 20% to 30% of their goals in 2021.

What items will be in short supply in 2022?

Meat shortages, especially beef and poultry, will plague us again in 2022. Daniels says that meat and poultry are in short supply in many supermarkets. This is due to several factors, with manufacturing plant labor shortages causing most of the issues.

What supply shortages are coming?

Where does vermiculite come from?

Vermiculite forms by the weathering or hydrothermal alteration of biotite or phlogopite. Large commercial vermiculite mines currently exist in the United States, Russia, South Africa, China, and Brazil.

Is vermiculite safe now?

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that is perfectly safe when pure. Unfortunately, an estimated 75 percent of it came from Libby, Montana, where it usually was contaminated with toxic amphibole asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive and deadly cancer.

Is there still asbestos in vermiculite?

Vermiculite and gardening use

An EPA study showed some vermiculite products contain low levels of asbestos. Asbestos is found primarily in the unmixed vermiculite product although some was found in pre-mixed potting soils. For consumers using vermiculite on an infrequent basis the health risk is low.

Is vermiculite still used?

It is estimated that the Libby mine was the source for almost 80 percent of all vermiculite sold in the U.S. from 1923 until the mine closed in 1990. While the Libby mine is no longer operating, vermiculite-mining operations are still found worldwide.

Can I use sand instead of vermiculite?

There is no reason to avoid using sand, unless you will be moving the containers frequently. Sand adds a considerable amount of weight but IMO does a better job at aeration than perlite/vermiculite. Perlite also tends to float to the top and grow nasty green algae/mold. I switched over to sand a few years ago.

Can you use perlite instead of vermiculite?

Perlite and vermiculite are both used to improve moisture retention and aeration in soil. They are used in a similar manner, but they are not interchangeable.

Can I use rice instead of perlite?

Parboiled rice husks or PBH rice hulls are a great option for replacing perlite in soil mixes. They're also ideal if you're looking for an organic, environmentally friendly alternative.

Can I use Styrofoam instead of perlite?

According to many experienced gardeners, Styrofoam can be used instead of perlite. However, it must be the correct kind of Styrofoam, and there are serious environmental considerations to take into account.

What is the best substitute for perlite?

PBH rice hulls are proven alternative to perlite. In recent years, as greenhouse growers have embraced sustainability and looked for feasible ways to reduce production costs, the use of parboiled rice hulls in greenhouse growing media has become a popular substitute for perlite.