Re: "Is there a thread that will tell me exactly how much to mix of each and how to screen etc?" I'm sure there are many others that are just as good, but I happened to have this one bookmarked: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/contain/msg031028425011.html It's a 1:1:1 mix, or equal parts by volume, of the granite, Turface, and bark. As for screening, that's covered more in the thread, but I believe you're aiming for a particle size of between 1/4, and ideally 1/8 inch, but 1/16 is acceptable. I was never able to find a 1/8 screen, and screened everything over an aluminum insect screen (1/16) without any real ill effects besides needing to add a wick in my largest pots. Here's what my last batch ended up looking like: That said the ratio not an exact formula that you have to follow. Example: I'm trying a mix of 1 part bark, 1 part granite, 2 parts Turface for more water retention in my potted hydrangeas. Once you get the hang of the mix you can try to adjust it to suit your needs, but honestly out of almost 30 different kinds of plants and trees I grow in containers - the hydrangeas were the only ones I felt compelled to mess with the ratio, everything else seems to love the mix. Though one of my orchids is being finicky in it... Here is a link that might be useful: Al's Gritty Mix -- A Learning Experinece

Hello Gardev, I understand your frustrations with finding the materials you need at a price that makes it worth all the effort! I would recommend not using the limestone! Because of its chemistry, you would have an extremely high pH which would be unsuitable for most plantings unless you were willing to constantly check and amend the soil. I know of people who have used the aquarium gravel and it DOES work, but it can be expensive. I am not sure what kind of access you have to construction materials around you, but I have had success at stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's ( I am sure there are many more that carry it) with products such as concrete gravel. It takes screening as well, and you want to make sure to purchase the bags that are only gravel. but they are around $5 per 23KG (50lb) bag. I will include a link for you so you can get an idea of what material I am talking about. I have used it for citrus before and it works pretty well for the price you pay! Link to gravel I hope that this helps you! Justin

Hi Plantcrazed!! I also can find that brand of Granigrit locally and Rooftopklyn is correct in that you want "growers size" grit. It is a little larger than the starter size . ( look at the bottom of the bag... See where it says ' starter'. ). You want it to say ' Growers'. Since you have a feed store that sells that brand and or sells it by the pound freely ... Make sure it is growers size. The smaller size grit is for young poultry and it's easier to help with digestion. As the birds get older, they need a larger size granite ( grit). So ask them about the other size. ( Growers ) they will know what you are asking for. The Growers sized granite stays in the basic size proportions of the Gritty Mix along with Turface and screened Fir Bark or Pine Bark in the size mentioned in the Container Soils-Water Movement Retention XXII thread linked below I believe it's 1/8-1/4 inch. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/2842847/container-soils-water-movement-and-retention-xxii?n=329 I just came out of a Tractor Supply Store and bought another brand so I wouldn't have to make another trip to get the Mount Airy Brand Granigrit. This is called Manna Pro and it is the Poulty size grit ( crushed granite) free of oyster shells... You only want granite without any fillers. This is a 25 lb bag and it cost 8 dollars . They also sell it in smaller five pound bags. ( can't remember the price since the larger bag is more cost effective) it's the same size as the growers.. if you have any Southern States Stores or Tractors Supply Stores near you, check there as well... Here is a picture right in the parking lot just for you of the Manna Pro !! Cherrystone #2 ( crushed Quartzite) is also used. I have a few bags. It's hard to find on the East Coast, since it's mined in the Midwest so I save it for special plantings!! Hope this helps!! Laura

http://www.a1grit.com/products/specialty-materials No. 10 Health Grit No. 10 Iron Health Grit No. 16 Chicken Grit No. 6 Calcium Poultry blend 3/8” Turkey Grit 1/2” Ostrich Grit Pullet Feed High Grade Calcium meal Which one would be OK for gritty mix?