How to Use Perlite
Perlite is a naturally occurring siliceous rock. In other words, it is a type of volcanic glass. What makes perlite special is that, due to the presence of between 2 and 6 percent combined water in the crude rock, it will expand, much as popcorn pops, when heated quickly. The resulting expanded perlite is what you are used to seeing in garden stores, and its porosity, sterility and neutral pH make it suitable for use as an aerating and drainage agent in the garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Mix equal parts perlite and sphagnum moss to create a medium for starting seeds or rooting plant cuttings, then plant the seeds or cuttings as you would in normal soil.
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Spread perlite over heavy clay or silt soils before transplanting your seed starts or rooted plant cuttings. This sort of application is appropriate anywhere that extra drainage and aeration is needed, even if your soil is not heavy with clay or silt.
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Use a small garden hand rake to work the perlite into the first 2 or 3 inches of soil. You can keep adding perlite and working it in to the soil until it comprises up to one quarter the total volume of the first 2 or 3 inches of soil.
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Transplant your cuttings or seed starts and water as usual.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are working perlite into the soil over a large area, you may want to use a full size rake to make the process go faster.
