Help appreciated

[ranunculus]

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.

[fermi de Sousa]

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

[Anthony Darby]

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.

[Maggi Young]

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!
 

[Andrew]

This is what we have down here.

[David Nicholson]

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

[ranunculus]

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.....

[Maggi Young]

What? Do you mean that none of you scrub each granule individually with hand-milled tea-tree soap?
I don't know what this club is coming to....

[David Nicholson]

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??

[Anthony Darby]

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.

[Maggi Young]

That reminds me, must buy a new pair of wellies... I fancy pink ones with flowers on...

[ranunculus]

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?