AusBonsai

Hello guys would just like to give kudos to my new Diatomite supplier.
I was shattered when i heard that the Maidenwell Diatomite mine shut down.
That's where my Diatomite has come from for many years.
Such is, i had to find a new source, and i am pleased to say it have!

VITEC in Somervile (South east of Melbourne, not the one near footscray)
Phone number 03 5977 7600
Call them first too see if stock is available in the quantity required.

They sell Mount Sylvia Diatomite 2-7mm as the product Kleensorb.
The properties are not dissimilar to Maidenwell Diatomite, so it's a find!
Speak with Russell, he is a great guy and is very helpful.
They also sell Chipped seaweed, organic fertilizers and stock supplements!
Try them out, I highly recommend them!

Forgot to post the link...
http://www.vitec.com.au/

Hi Ness
Been using Mt Sylvia for 3 years now as we could not get Maidenwell after they closed the first time.

Post an update after you have used for a year and give a comparo report on its performance. Lots of discussion as to whether as good as Maidenwell.
ps
How long have you been using Maidenwell, and in what sort of mix?

ken

Hey Ken, reassuring to hear Mt Sylvia has been working for you!
I'll post some comparison results of a few products i've been testing (Maidenwell Vs Mt sylvia Vs Turface) once they are complete.
The basic soil composite for the last 4 years that works best for me:
4 parts Maidenwell Diatomite
3 parts quality potting mix (osmicote terracotta)
1 part medium crushed pine or redwood chip
1/3 part sand or grit (bluestone)
1/4 part blood and bone meal (to help coagulate the lot till feeder roots form)
Being in Melbourne area, the weather varies in the extremes (my trees are still recovering from the golf ball sized hail stones that Christmas delivered me).
So i prefer a mix with alot of buffer for dry and wet seasons.

Hi ness
With that sort of Mix, I would reckon that the diatomite type will make no difference.

Would hazard a guess that you will see no difference to turface either, but as always will be interestings to see the results

ken

damz that really far ... is there a closer place that can supplied them?

Hi Ness,

Thanks for the info on the Diatomite Supplier, as I'm a frankston boy it's only 5 minutes away, so I'm of down there to grab me some

Regard's

The Hacker

Thanks guys!
I'm pretty sure that they are the only Diatomite seller in Victoria metro area-ish.
Every place i have ever called has said "dye-atom-what? Nah mate, we don't sell any ancient sea fossil based substrates here... you loon."
I suggest that you buy up a few bags and store it like i have, in 80 litre air tight plastic drums.
They store well in the sun or shade once sealed up right.
They stay dry, and crisp.
You can buy drums like this on ebay and such.

As a foot note,
Upon first inspection Maidenwell Diatomite is as compared too Mt Sylvia Diatomite;
*pinker in colour (Mt Sylvia is stark white mostly)
*seems denser (less porousthan Mt Sylvia)
*harder substance/jagged (Mt Sylvia is slightly softer and more rounded)
*Maidenwell Diatomite 40 litres = 25AUD VS Mt Sylvia Diatomite 35 litres = 25AUD

Second foot note,
Turface (baked clay substrate used in baseball grass base, and surface covering on active areas)
*excellent water retention properties
*due to size of grain best used as a top soil covering for organics and mosses/grass to grow on.

Final test results will be posted upon completion.

Great news being a somerville resident.

Crikey, it's expensive down there!!
I have been using mt sylvia for a long time, several years, with great results Love the stuff.
Will likely put a couple of figs into 100% diatomite soon for some testing of some growth methods