Grit: since it doesn't hold any water, is grit used to balance out the moisture retention of the Turface? Grit does hold water, but not as much as turface. So, yes, it balances turface (which, potentially, can hold too much water on its own). Bark:? Reasonably long lasting, holds water, might provide a very slow release source of N, and cuts weight and cost. Bark can be omitted if weight and cost aren't a factor. I recall Al recommending a 3:2 grit to turface ratio as a starting point, but you might alter it otherwise depending on circumstances.

I just tracked everything down. Here's what I found: Turface or Calcinated DE: Ewing Irrigation, many locations. I was quoted $15 per bag at the Plano store. I've elected to use calcinated DE because of weight in large containers, $$$. I also figured I could use a little extra moisture retention during our summers. A 25lb bag at Napa auto parts (part 8822)was $8, and they had plenty at the Harry Hines location near NW Hwy. Pine Fines: I got the Scotsman's choice Landscape mix at the Lowes on 75 and Spring Creek in Plano for around $3 per bag. Crushed Granite: This was the hardest thing to find--I called a few feed stores near me in Plano that didn't have it. One of those steered me to Southwest Feed Mills on Scyene Rd & Buckner in Dallas. They had Gran-I-Grit Grower size in 50lb. bags for $8ish each. They were very nice and didn't even look at me too funny when I told them what I was using it for. It was a bit of a drive for me, but worth it to not have to screen DG. Here is a link that might be useful: Dig on 4 Victory!

Lol - because they grow so fast, I use the 5:1:1 mix for brugs & datura. There is no way I would go 2 years with these plants in the same soil. They really need root work beyond potting up every year. Those are also one of the few plants that I give a little extra Mg to - both in the ground and containers (I grow them in the ground as annuals & take cuttings every summer to winter over for next year's plants). The 5:1:1 mix is very good for houseplants and holds up much better/longer than peat/coir/compost-based soils, but the gritty mix would still perform a little better. I always judge what soil to use by how long the plant will be in the same soil. Even though the 5:1:1 mix is much more durable than most packaged soils, I still hold pretty tight to the rule: 1 year in the same soil = 5:1:1. 2 or more years in the same soil = the gritty mix. In the end though, it's whatever you feel is the best choice for you. I'm not selling (you on) soil recipes, I'm selling the importance of aeration and durability in your soils, and showing you various ways to achieve those ends. After I've helped folks understand those points, it really doesn't matter to me what they choose to grow in, though it always pleases me to learn of people having improved their effort:reward ratio because of something I might have shared. ;o) Take good care. I know you'll do well! Al

RE: GREENALL MICRO-BARK I found Micro-Bark at the 'Green Thumb Nursery' in Los Gatos, CA. It is typically in-stock. http://www.greenthumblosgatos.com/ I'm still searching for a local 1/4-1/8 granite source ... will post if I find one nearby. ~ TR Here is a link that might be useful: Green Thumb Nursery - Los Gatos CA