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Northwestern Gardening

Where to get horticultural pumice in western Washington

17 years ago

I am in search of some pumice to mix into my potting soil for cacti and other xeric plants. My previous sources seem to have dried up. I would prefer bulk (1 yard or more) but would consider large, reasonably priced bags (2+ cu ft or some such thing), which would at least hold me over for a while. Anyone seen any pumice for sale around.... besides the expensive little bags in some nurseries?

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Comments (7)

grrrnthumb
17 years ago
I've gotten the large bags with no labeling at Indoor Sun Shop in Fremont. Vastly cheaper than those little nursery bags. You could also try other specialty hydroponics type outfits. I can't remember the name of the one in Shoreline on 175th near 15th Ave, but they had rows of pallets of soils & amendments.
Also try asking the greenhouse manager at the UW Dept of Biology. They order it by the truckload. I think he said it was from somewhere in Tacoma. They don't have any interest in reselling you little bags, so they're likely one of the few places willing to reveal a wholesale source.
If you do find a good source to buy it bulk would you post it back on here? I'm running low myself. Thanks.
- Tom
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
17 years ago
The place in Shoreline is called Eco Enterprises - EcoGrow. It's just west of 15th Ave. NW. Good suggestion!
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ian_wa
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you for the ideas. I'll let you know what I come up with.
Patrick888
17 years ago
There was a similar thread not long ago & I reported that I got a 4 cu. ft. bag of Perlite at a McLendon's location for $8.00....it was a "broken" bag that had been torn & taped closed. Very little had spilled, altho it leaks a little around the tape. I haven't had very good luck getting good markdowns at the big box stores, but was very pleased with the way McLendon's handled the matter.

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ian_wa
Original Author
17 years ago
T. E. Walrath Trucking in South Tacoma carries bulk pumice. You set up an appointment, then show up with shovel in hand!

Indoor Sun Shoppe didn't have much that I could see, other than the usual small expensive fare, but I didn't get a chance to talk to their staff. I never made it to Shoreline.
grrrnthumb
17 years ago
That was the place! Thanks Ian for posting that. Indoor Sun Shoppe usually does stock the giant bags. They're not inside with the little ones, you have to rummage through the big shelves outside in their cage area. No labeling at all on the bags.
- Tom
ian_wa
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, I didn't even leave myself enough time to notice a cage area of outdoor merchandise. Next time I guess...

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