Coarse (or super coarse) vermiculite is usually the challenging Mel’s Mix™ ingredient to source. Worry not! We’ve got you covered.
Here’s where you can find the right stuff:
Where to Get Vermiculite & Peat Moss
- Greenhouse Megastore (Coarse and Super Coarse) — free shipping on all U.S. orders over $149.
- Uline — Grade 4 No free shipping & must order 2 bags minimum (share with a friend!).
- FarmTek — on sale now. Same day shipping on in stock items.
- AM Leonard’s — Grade A3. Check out weekly deals.
- Gardener’s Edge — Grade 4. Free shipping with Check out weekly deals.
Another important ingredient of Mel’s Mix™ that can be difficult to find is peat moss.
- Lowe’s — store pickup available & sold in 3 cubic feet units.
- AM Leonard’s — Check out weekly deals.
- Tractor Supply — free standard delivery to your local TSC store when spending $29 or more.
- Greenhouse Megastore — free shipping on all U.S. orders over $149.
You can also ask your local nursery to order your coarse vermiculite and peat moss for you. It’s always a good idea to support your local gardening businesses.
Are you looking for alternatives to peat?
Sadly, peat is a slow growing, natural resource that hasn’t always been well managed, and in many places has been seriously depleted, leaving negative effects on the environment. Many gardeners are looking for a peat alternative.
Mel’s Mix is a carefully chosen, balanced growing medium consisting of 1/3 peat, 1/3 vermiculite and 1/3 blended compost. It is ph neutral, nutrient rich, friable, and well draining without drying out. All three ingredients play their part in creating this winning combination.
Creating Mel's Mix & Compost
Here are some handy charts explaining how much Mel’s Mix you need for common SFG box sizes and explaining how many 5
gallon buckets each of peat moss, compost, and coarse vermiculite you need to make specific volumes of Mel’s Mix.
Get practical composting tips and more!
Mel's Mix Calculator
How Much Soil Do You Need?
Here’s a handy Mel’s Mix calculator. For instance, a 4’x4’x6″ deep raised bed would need 8 cubic feet of Mel’s Mix to fill the bed.
To make it super simple, you would need FOUR (5) gallon buckets EACH of fluffed peat moss (or coco coir), coarse vermiculite and blended compost. Always make extra compost since you’ll add a trowel to a square each and every time you harvest it.
Learning Videos
The Square Foot Gardening Method creates healthier gardens, larger harvests…and happier, more fulfilled gardeners!