I am looking to purchase some course vermiculte (40cuft) for our raised garden beds. It's pricey -- some $3.50/cuft wholesale. Normally I think this is Grade A3.

However, I did find a place that has Grade A4 vermiculite that they sell for packaging material. The price of this is almost half. Is this OK for raised bed gardens or is it just too large of particle size?

Of course, I am assuming vermiculite is vermiculite and the only difference is particle size.

Thank you.

Vermiculite is great for cuttings and seed. Vermiculite can hold water for long periods of time. I say use it for top soil. Not sure about the price where you are. The sub soil may need the drainage for the roots to spread.

JHrusky said: I am looking to purchase some course vermiculte (40cuft) for our raised garden beds. It's pricey -- some $3.50/cuft wholesale. Normally I think this is Grade A3.

However, I did find a place that has Grade A4 vermiculite that they sell for packaging material. The price of this is almost half. Is this OK for raised bed gardens or is it just too large of particle size?

Of course, I am assuming vermiculite is vermiculite and the only difference is particle size.

Thank you.

I will give you my best advice...

course vermiculite is amazing for top soil in garden beds.

How ever if you are propagating either seeds or cuttings. best to use fine vermiculite. with garden vermiculite you can turn it over within the top soil and leave a few sprinkles of it on top. add perlite which is another substance for drainage. it will help the roots spread. add perlite to sub soil. my best advice I can give you. I hope your garden pulls through.