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Author Topic: Help appreciated  (Read 3710 times)

ranunculus

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Help appreciated
« on: May 13, 2007, 01:39:06 PM »
Has anyone attempted to clean and re-use large quantities of Hortag from an alpine plunge?  How was this accomplished and what was your success rate?  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Cliff Booker
Behind a camera in Whitworth. Lancashire. England.

fermi de Sousa

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2007, 02:21:17 PM »
What in the world is Hortag and why would you use it in a plunge? Is it like sand or puffed clay beads?
cheers
fermi
Mr Fermi de Sousa, Redesdale,
Victoria, Australia

Anthony Darby

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2007, 02:53:59 PM »
Two ways: one uses good old fashioned 'elbo grease' a large bucket and a big wooden spoon (or a cement mixer) and plenty of water; the other uses plenty of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution.
Anthony Darby, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Maggi Young

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2007, 03:22:02 PM »
Fermi, it's a clay granule sort of stuff!  Blurb says "HORTAG

A lightweight expanded clay aggregate, used for benching, crocking, decorative topping & ring culture.

Hortag absorbs upto 30% of its own weight in water and then slowly releases it to plant roots."


Fondest regards to Gerben and Coleagues!
 
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

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Andrew

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2007, 05:24:38 PM »
This is what we have down here.
18154-0
Andrew, North Cambridgeshire, England.

David Nicholson

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2007, 06:43:20 PM »
Cliff, although I only use Hortag for bench topping it gets an annual dunk in buckets of warm water with an added dose of Jeyes Fluid and left to soak overnight. Seems to clean it up pretty well but it pongs a bit for a week or three ;D
David Nicholson
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ranunculus

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2007, 09:11:31 PM »
Many thanks everybody....I am reluctant to throw good bench topping away so I will take your suggestion on board David and tolerate the smell for a wee while.
Bring out the buckets.....
Cliff Booker
Behind a camera in Whitworth. Lancashire. England.

Maggi Young

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2007, 09:18:02 PM »
What? Do you mean that none of you scrub each granule individually with hand-milled tea-tree soap? :o
I don't know what this club is coming to.... ;)
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

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David Nicholson

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2007, 09:52:26 AM »
Many years ago I was told about the Jeyes fluid treatment by an old grower. He also told me that the treatment was to be applied naked but wearing wellington boots. Are you telling me now that everyone doesn't do this?? :o
David Nicholson
in Devon, UK  Zone 9b
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Anthony Darby

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2007, 09:56:32 AM »
That must be where I'm going wrong. Must remember the wellies next time. ::) I still think pure Hydrogen Peroxide bleach would be just as good and it breaks down into oxygen and water.
Anthony Darby, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Maggi Young

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2007, 10:17:01 AM »
That reminds me, must buy a new pair of wellies... I fancy pink ones with flowers on...
Margaret Young in Aberdeen, North East Scotland Zone 7 -ish!

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ranunculus

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Re: Help appreciated
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2007, 11:05:57 AM »
I was wondering if the Women's Institute still held charity weeks where they did odd jobs for people in their own homes (greenhouses)?  I would willingly supply the wellies. Probably better if the younger and fitter ladies got involved. I'll give them a call................Where DID I put my camera?
Cliff Booker
Behind a camera in Whitworth. Lancashire. England.

 


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