Vertical Garden Soil Mixture | How to mix soil for garden

To set up a vertical garden, the most important factor to be considered is to establish optimum conditions for the growth and development of the garden, and the maintenance of these conditions over time. One should have a perfect vertical garden soil mixture. How to mix soil for the vertical garden is often a question. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) can be used in so many ways to ensure the healthy survival of plants in a garden, and these include the following:

  • Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) can be used to improve the characteristics of the substrate
  • Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) can serve as a drainage as well as a moisture reservoir
  • Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) can be used as a mulch



IN SUBSTRATE

To improve the physical and chemical properties of a substrate (aeration, durability, lightness, moisture control, dimensional stability etc.), 25% - 30% of Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) should be mixed with other components of a known growth substrate such as compost or peat.

DRAINAGE AND MOISTURE RESERVE

When setting up a garden (vertical gardens, terrace gardens, hanging gardens, kitchen garden, etc.), a layer of Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) is applied below the peat or compost at the bottom of any material that is used in planting (vase pot, planter, or container), this is done to prevents damage from stagnant water. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) high capillary and porosity level acts as an excellent moisture reserve, and this helps to ensure plant health and good rooting.  

However, in a terrace garden that involves planting directly into a trench, layer Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) can spread along the bottom of the trench (10cm thickness), and the same advantage would be obtained.

AS MULCH

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) is often used as mulch for potted plants. When Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) is applied on top of the substrate, it reduces moisture loss due to evaporation, prevents weed growth, minimizes water stress, prevents the plant from rodents and insects, thermally insulates the soil (protects the soil from high temperature), and provides a decorative finish to gardens, planters, and pots. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) can also be used in vegetable gardens green roofs or roof gardens, so for best result, it should be applied at a thickness of 5-10cm.

VERTICAL GARDENS

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) in composing substrates enhances drainage, limits excessive water retention and increases the porosity. It also serves as an important factor for the proper growth of roots and plants in vertical gardens. Due to the Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) low buffer power, it doesn’t release any salinity. The quantities for the Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) mixture with compost or peat must be chosen by the gardener according to the plant, compose and irrigation times. The quantity ranges from 20%-40%. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) is safe, clean, and healthy for vertical green wall decoration; because there is no odor and this creates a tidy and beautiful vertical roof garden. 

 

Vertical gardening is a green revolution in the urban lifestyle. We provide a complete solution with the use of Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®).

  • Mixtures of ECA® (2-8 mm or Crushed 2-8 mm ECA®) +Soil + Organic Manure in appropriate portions has been used to improve the soil structure of nurseries.
  • Reduced Watering cycle.
  • Very low mortality of plant. 
  • Resulting to low or No maintenance.

HANGING GARDENS 

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) is the ideal product for making lightened draining layers for hanging gardens and plants. When mixed with the peat, it guarantees lightness to the structure and makes it water and air reserved for the plants. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) can be applied with tank trucks equipped for vertical and horizontal pumping. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) is ideal for filling boxes and flower pots.


FLOWERPOT ARRANGEMENT 

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) has a pleasant finishing appearance, and it has become an important growth nutrient for gardeners. It’s a natural finishing for flower arrangements and flower pots.


BOX FILLING

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) is used to fill boxes, and ensure proper drainage, constant temperature, and humidity level, especially when the plant roots stick out of the box. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®) contains different nutrients for plant growth, and it has good water holding and damp-absorbing characteristics. Due to its porosity, it has room for good ventilation which helps in preventing plants’ roots desiccation.


AQUARIUM LANDSCAPING

During the production of Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®), it’s subjected to a temperature of above 8500C up to 1200 degrees C, and this makes it not to be dissolvable even when immersed in water for a long time. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®), has a low buffer capacity, so it cannot change the pH nor release any salinity into the mixture. This is why it’s an important component in aquarium landscaping.


KITCHEN GARDENS 

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®), has various nutrient elements needed for the growth of vegetables. Without any extra fertilization, the Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®)  can guarantee healthy vegetable growth. It has a good water holding capacity, which in turn supply water to the plant during hot weather and prevent the plant from drying off. Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®), can be reused, and it’s favorable for hydroponic vegetables.

GREEN ROOF 

Expanded Clay Aggregate (ECA®), has become an important component in growing media on various green wall gardens. The application of this environmentally friendly product in green roof design assists in addressing vital issues such as improving water quality, conserving energy, managing stormwater run-off, reducing urban heat, and increasing green space.

Keywords: vertical garden soil mixture, how to mix soil for garden, substrate