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Drake1337

3mm gravels/sands, coir, mediums etc

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Hey peoples! Right now I am germinating A Courtii and its going well with some learning trial and error. Figured I will skip the T&E and go with sound advice. Reading about and taking Communacacians advice, so am wondering where everyone sources their mediums? So far my main go-to is Bunnings, though I am sure there might be better online sites to order from, with a larger range. Also I did do some searching of the fourms and not a great deal came up, bar one topic that had some helpful info.

So a few things I would like to know, one about Bunnings Coir. Its not called Coco Coir, its just "Coir", though is a very fine material that seems to be coconut fiber. Also its got added fertilizers that I rather avoid so I have control over that area. I known this is kind of easy to source online, though would like a reputable source.

Another item is gravel or even sand at about 3mm. I am having a hard time finding this stuff and when I tried to siv bunnings Course Sand mix it did not go so well. They have a charcoal, but this might be too large? I thought about traveling up to Newcastle or some said beach though I am guessing it might be "salt enriched".

Im located in NSW so any online sites suggested based in NSW would be the go as shipping would be lower.

Some photos. No freaking out, I was trying different mediums out of impatience. First one I have no idea, its from a SA bought A Courtii seed so will see what it turns into. These photos are a few days old, more are sprouting now and the ones in the photos are starting to open up. Just went with the advice from one site on germinating Acacia, 1 part course sand (bunnings) and 3 parts vermiculite (going to change to 50% coco coir, 30% perlite and 20% small (3mm) river stone as suggested to me). They are doing well in the "Native potting mix" though needs coir or Verm to help hold water. Also going to go with the long thin pots as this is what I have seen a few members use. 

Thanks for all the replies!

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Edited by Drake1337

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I wouldn't be adding much charcoal if any at all. It will raise your pH to a level that's not very suitable.

I've had good success rates with courtii seeds in commercial native soil mix. Just be wary of damping off from the mix staying too wet.

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If you're looking to get bulk materials for soils, I would definitely recommend buying through landscape raw material places, and mixing your own soils from various mulches and taking the time to "cook" it under some plastic for a few months. This way you'll get cubic metres for around $60, as opposed to bags of 60L for $20... 

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Hiya Drake, Beach sand is not good for plant growing mediums. It will have tiny bits of crushed seashell in it with too much calcium and will be too alkaline. 

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Hahaha cheers people! And cheers Freaka, l did not think of the seashell and alkaline that way.

 

At the moment l am only doing small scall stuff, though in the future l think heading to the local landscaper will be the go.

 

Right now the native mix has an issue of drying out instead of risking staying too damp. I think its mainly because of the type of pot l wanted to try, the soil might of retained more moisture in the long thin pots.

 

Will give it a week and update photos. Loads shooting up, even the ones in pure Bunnings Coir.

 

Thanks again for all the replies!

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I sell 1-4mm pumice on my website if that's any help to you. It's a great multi purpose grit for seed raising and more tender plants 

 

https://www.drgreenthumbs.com.au/collections/cactus-bonsai-succulent-grow-mediums-australia/products/pumice-horticultural-buy-australia?variant=32583313347

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Cheers l will have a look. If anyone else knows how pumice gos instead of river rock or gravel for Acacia? Guessing the only difference is it can hold extra moisture? I know in a topic l bumped in the cacti section its used (can be used?) In the cacti medium (perfect because l also will be germinating cacti shortly).

Edited by Drake1337

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