Potting Mix vs. Potting Soil

[alwayslearning]

FYi, here is a link to a recent Earthbox article about what to look for in potting media for Earthboxes. http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=9057.msg78857#msg78857

FYI, in defense of an earlier comment about 'styrofoam' in potting mix, the perlite looks similar to styrofoam  in that it is white and seems to float to the surface of the potting mix if you water the mix from the top.  It would not be a substitute for perlite, though.  Perlite is volcanic in origin and functions to aerate the potting mix. It's found in just about every potting mix intended for containers but not in planting mixes intended for in-ground gardening.

[movrshakr]

Yep, with just a general look at it, you could think it was small pieces of Styrofoam.

[writeone]

FYi, here is a link to a recent Earthbox article about what to look for in potting media for Earthboxes. http://forum.earthbox.com/index.php?topic=9057.msg78857#msg78857

FYI, in defense of an earlier comment about 'styrofoam' in potting mix, the perlite looks similar to styrofoam  in that it is white and seems to float to the surface of the potting mix if you water the mix from the top.  It would not be a substitute for perlite, though.  Perlite is volcanic in origin and functions to aerate the potting mix. It's found in just about every potting mix intended for containers but not in planting mixes intended for in-ground gardening.

Great link.

And, yes. I thought of perlite re: styrofoam in the potting mix.