Oil-Dri UK

Aaron_K

Hi all,

I just thought I'd let all the British members here, know about Oil-Dri UK. Many of you have probably already heard of this product that is used often in the US as a soil component.

Believe it or not, the exact same product is shipped out of Georgia, across the pond to the UK. Not only this, but Oil-Dri UK manufacture their own product too that actually favours better than the US. The reason being that the UK manufactured product is larger in size (3-6mm approx), and there is a lot less wasted after screening.

I've had this stuff soaking for over 2 weeks now in water, and its not turning to mush - even after crushing it with a pair of pliers. It holds a good amount of moisture (about 60% of its own weight in water), doesn't break down and also drains extremely well. This may very well be a good or even superior alternative to akadama, which can breakdown - having spent an hour removing thick, compacted, heavy akadama clay from one of my trees today!

Price wise, the best I've found so far is £5.38 for 13kg or £7.36 for an 18KG bag from Everglades. I've attached a picture for y'all to take a look at. Definitely looks promising - just have to see how trees grow in it now.

All the best

Aaron

Attached Images

oil-dri.jpg (71.4 KB, 98 views)

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Just_Mike

Im not from the UK and have never tried oil-dri, but im always open to new things, and would be willing to give it a shot...I wonder why there is such a difference in particle size, and if the larger particle size is avail in the US...This year I am trying out a product called drystall...the color is off white and not very appealing aesthetically, but seems to be a promising growing medium with fairly uniform particle size, not much is disgarded...

thedoc_

Dear Aaron k,

I am thinking of using a specific product with similar qualities like the product you mention, the scientific name of it is bentonite. Would it be possible for you to check on the backage and tell me if it is the same thing as the oil dri? Bentonite is used for cat littering and for liquid absorption, it comes in granular shape, and it is inert.
There abundance of the stuff near where i live and it would be a cheap solution if it works well.

Thank you.
Stav.

RedPine

Hi Stav,

Aaronk hasn't been on the boards since last August so there is a chance he may not respond to your question here. As to what oildry is, all of the oil dry I have ever seen is made of fired clay particles, about the same thing as Turface. If you are going to try kitty litter or oil dry products make sure to test them out in hot water first, anything that dissolves or breaks down after a good long soak and stir in hot water you don't want for plants. As to your other product bentonite, I have never heard of it before yesterday so I can only offer zero advice, but I notice on your other thread some of the growers are set against bentonite.


Ace hardware type of stores will often carry the Turface MVP or can order it, farmers Co-Ops will carry granite grit for chicken/turkey. Oil dry/kitty litter isn't a horrible soil but do always run it through the water test before using. Also most any Walmart or box store will carry Perelite, this is a good soil substrate as well. Crushed lava rock is also very good. I have used pea gravel mixed with bark chips also. Even sifted cactus soil can work. I think using some of the volcanic products mentioned in other threads like the colander one running now is nice. Again I don't know what bentonite is but it sounds dreadful. Also maybe hunt around for a bonsai seller near you, they often carry soil supplies.

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thedoc_

Thank you very much for your advice.

Kind regards,
Stav.