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Eeiko reckons 40%, thats probably about right for a broadleaved tree like yours. Conifers for example, which generally like more drainage, might need say 60-70% grit.

If you are going to mix organic i.e. bark, compost with inorganic components like grit, just make sure all the particles are the same size. If say, you used a mixture of different sized particles, then the smaller particles would infiltrate the spaces between the larger particles, and 'clog' it up so to speak, reducing drainage.

If all the particles are the same size, then they just sit on top of each other in the pot, leaving air spaces between them, and good drainage and soil aeriation is maintained.

3-Mar-2008	#8
ElGringo tree love Join Date: Jun-2006 Location: Gwent Country: Wales/Cymru, UK USDA Zone: 8-9 AHS Heat Zone: 1 Posts: 889	Eeiko reckons 40%, thats probably about right for a broadleaved tree like yours. Conifers for example, which generally like more drainage, might need say 60-70% grit. If you are going to mix organic i.e. bark, compost with inorganic components like grit, just make sure all the particles are the same size. If say, you used a mixture of different sized particles, then the smaller particles would infiltrate the spaces between the larger particles, and 'clog' it up so to speak, reducing drainage. If all the particles are the same size, then they just sit on top of each other in the pot, leaving air spaces between them, and good drainage and soil aeriation is maintained. __________________ Richard