What does vermiculate do?

Question

What does vermiculate do and should I be using it in my soil. I’m trying to grow vegetables.

Answer 1

It keeps the soil from compacting. It is useful to add if you have heavy/clay soil. It also helps with drainage. If you notice many of the plants purchased have this small white (about 1/8 inch or smaller) "stuff" in the soil, this is either vermiculite or perlite. They both do the same thing.
Good aeration ( keeping the soils from compacting) is good for root development and watering.

Answer 2

Separate soil particles.......if you have clay soil, it helps break up the clay. But mostly used to hold moisture. It is a natural mineral that is heated until it pops....so it is fine in the vegetable garden. If you have compost, that would do the same as vermiculite, but compost quickly decomposes and must be replenished. Vermiculite stays around. It is an unusual addition for gardens, more often seen in container grown plants.

Answer 3

it is user to lighten up heavy soil, like clay based soil, it also helps retain moisture. it should not be need if you soil is average quality and you have or will be adding compost to your soil.

Answer 4

vermiculite
It retains water, I've used it only for houseplants & containers.

"A micaceous mineral, heated until it explodes into spongelike kernels that are highly porous but exceedingly lightweight. It is a component of some soilless mixes."
http://www.answers.com/vermiculite?cat=technology&gwp=13

Answer 5

a simple answer without all the complicated science,( to much imfofmation ) it retains water like a sponge so you don't have to water your as often. works great in potted plants as well as the garden.