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opinions on which media one should use

I have a little bit of a dilemma. I have constructed my grow beds for this coming grow season, the overall dims are 24"x120"x16" with a foot of grow media, giving me a total of 20ft^3. There are (4) beds to total 80ft^3. As the cost of building is high, my budget is running low (imagine that!) With this being said, i am open to suggestions on money saving ideas. the crops of choice will be two beds worth of Toms and peppers, one bed of summer squash and okra, and the last one being my greens and vinning veggies (pole bean, cukes, melon, etc.) I was thinking that some sort of blend of different material (perlite, vermiculite, river rock, LECA) would be the best option. All plants will be transplants from my seedlings except pole beans, cukes, and prob okra (already grows too fast no need for a head start!) I am located north of Dallas. Anyone with any insite or ideas would be much appriciated! I would love to use LECA but am haveing a hard time finding it in bulk or reasonable price.

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by TCLynx on January 31, 2012 at 12:32pm

You might look up expanded Shale since you are in TX. It takes a bit of extra washing or sifting and if you can get the larger stuff like at least 1/2" or 3/4" you would be better off.

If you have a truck, you can probably contact some of the aggregate yards that provide stone for construction. Take a jar and a jug of vinegar so you can test some media before you buy a truck load. Beware, having them dump a scoop of rocks in your truck isn't for those with shiny pretty town trucks.