New Grower Question re: Perlite.

[PapaEmeritus]

Heyo. So, totally new grower here. Gonna be putting together a semi-stealth soil grow here shortly, and could use some advice. I'll be using Dr. Earth Pot of Gold cut with perlite, and BioBizz for my nutes. My question is: the only perlite I can find locally (and damn, have I looked) is Miracle-Gro, which I notice has both a "wetting agent" as well as some of their junk nutes added. (0.7/0.7/0.7 I think)

Long question short - will this stuff affect my soil performance, or am I good to go? I can source a different brand if I absolutely have to, but I'd really rather just be able to swing by the local big-box and grab a bag rather than wait for another package.

Thanks!

 

[Gatorbackbob]

I used it last grow with no problems, I added 20% perlite, a lot of us are in the same boat unable to find any other than MG unless you want a gigantic bag from the hydro store, I did rinse the perlite real good before adding it to my soil.

 

[PapaEmeritus]

@Gatorbackbob Thanks, good to hear. I kinda figured that I'd be alright but when you have the budget I do (two nickels and a stick of gum if I'm lucky) I do my best to make sure I keep the rookie mistakes to a minimum, lol.

 

[F.N.]

Go with the giant bag from the hydro store it will not go stale and you will eventually need it I buy it by the big green bag CHEAP and not a MONSANTO'S product Just a thought guys but if room is at a premium

 

[PapaEmeritus]

@Fairlynew - All the local hydro store carries is the "super chunky" variety, in either 1.7 or 3.5cu ft. bags. I can't see myself ever using either that quantity or size perlite. And on a fixed income, the $15-$20 difference in price between the Miracle-Gro and the hydro store stuff just isn't worth it if I can get away with rinsing the Miracle-Gro. Thanks though!