Perlite what is it in our potting mixture? Here is a map of the wildfires in Victoria, Australia

image from perlite.org

     WOW we have a clear, blue sky and the temperature is good at45F(6C) this at 2:30 PM on Monday Jan 12th.  We will take it and do enjoy.  Seeing the sun and being outside when the sun is shining is just the biggest uplifting we can have in the winter.  Have you noticed that the daylight is getting longer at night?  We still have daylight at 5:00 PM which is another awesome thing.
 
Australia family and friends are having it much cooler this week.  I asked Evelyn to write about where the wildfires are to where they live.   It is in the state of Victoria but like the United States it is vast. 
Evelyn
Victoria is enduring one of its most severe bushfire days with a statewide total fire ban in effect and catastrophic fire danger ratings declared across the North Central, Northern Country, South West, and Wimmera districts, while extreme ratings prevail in all other areas, including the Gippsland districts.
This marks conditions not seen since the devastating Black Summer fires of 2019-20, with authorities describing the day as potentially uncontrollable and unpredictable due to extreme heat, very low humidity, and strong wind gusts.The major focus remains on two significant out-of-control blazes.
This is a lengthy report, but I think it explains it well. Sale is where the blue marker is just to the right of Traralgon. Traralgon is a 30-minute drive west of us. The fires above that are on the other side of our mountain range, The great divide. It would be a 5-hour drive north west of us. The fire directly north of us is in a heavily forested area and moving east, no threat to us.
​
Eveyln’s daughter in law posted this today about hay for the farmers of this area that lost their crops.   🚨Hay Donations🚨
For Longwood/nth east Area Farms Affected by Fire
We are donating our trucks to deliver hay to farms in the Longwood area that were impacted by recent fires.
We are in need of hay donations preferably from gippsland
A B-double load of hay is planned for delivery this week.
If you are able to donate hay or silage, or if you have access to trucks that can help with delivery maybe we could co ordinate a convoy. Please contact Ben at 0438458221.
 "Please share this request to help us spread the word"
As you can see, the wildfire creates lots of problems.  Stay safe, and it is cooler for now.  Rain is forecast for later this week.  Hope they will get that.
 
I always talk about the potting mixture I use in planting and one of the ingredients is perlite.  I found this very helpful what is perlite.

What is Perlite? Uses, Benefits & Common Alternatives
The Pros and Cons of Perlite: A Gardener's Guide Written By: Robin Sweetser
You have probably noticed the little white chunks in commercial potting soil and wondered what they were and why they were there. They are often mistaken for pieces of Styrofoam but are much harder. Actually, it is perlite, a natural stone that is added to the soil mix to improve drainage.
What is Perlite?
Perlite is a volcanic stone with a high-water content, that starts life as porous volcanic glass. When heated to 1600°F, the rocks expand up to 20 times their original size, giving it one of its nicknames—volcanic popcorn. Like popcorn, it is very lightweight and porous.
After heating, the popped rocks are crushed to smaller sizes ranging from fine to medium and coarse, depending on the manufacturer. It is sometimes given a grade number, with #4 being the largest at 1 inch in diameter.
The Many Uses of Perlite
Perlite is loved by gardeners for its ability to improve drainage and aeration. Along with being lightweight and porous, perlite is nontoxic, clean, sterile, and disease-free. It has a neutral pH, doesn’t expand, rot, or shrink, and is certified for use in organic gardens.
When perlite is added to soil or a soilless potting mix, it improves drainage by providing space for water and air to flow. Mix it half and half with potting soil for propagating cuttings or seed starting. It is also a great medium for rooting, cutting, or starting seeds and will prevent damping off. Learn how to make your own soilless potting mix.
You can also sprinkle a light coating of fine perlite over seeds that need light to germinate. It allows light in while keeping them moist. Check out our guide to seed planting success.
For gardening, look for horticultural perlite, which can be large to medium grade with 1/2-inch to 1/8-inch particles. Coarse-grade or extra-large perlite with particles larger than ½ inches is perfect for orchids, succulents, and other plants that require good drainage.
In construction, perlite is added to plaster or mortar to lighten them up. Finer grades can be used in filters or as fillers, and larger grades can be found in stormwater filtration systems.
The Pros and Cons of Using Perlite for Planting
Reasons You Might Choose Perlite for Your Garden
Pros of Using Perlite          Cons of Using Perlite
Lightens up heavy soil       Considered a non-renewable resource
Improves airflow and drainage Dusty (wear a mask when using it)
Sterile and neutral pH       It may contain trace amounts of fluoride
Prevents seedlings from damping off Has no nutritional value for plants
Should I Use Perlite or Vermiculite?
Perlite is especially good at drainage by providing channels for water and air to flow through the soil. It absorbs very little moisture, making it great for aeration for potting plants that need dry conditions, such as succulents, cacti, and some orchids.
Vermiculite is also good for drainage and aeration but does its best work providing a steady supply of moisture. It can expand and hold water like a sponge, releasing it as plant roots need it, making it perfect for use with plants that need moist soil. Learn more about vermiculite.
You can also have the best of both worlds! If aeration and moisture retention are both important to you, you can use both perlite and vermiculite together.
Perlite offers a unique and versatile tool for gardeners. While it may not be a perfect solution for every plant, its ability to improve drainage and aeration and prevent root rot makes it a valuable addition to many potting mixes. Whether you’re starting seeds, repotting succulents, or simply looking to lighten up heavy soil, perlite can be a secret weapon in your gardening arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is perlite the same as Styrofoam?
No. Although perlite looks like small white foam pieces, it is a natural volcanic stone that has been heated to expand. Unlike Styrofoam, perlite is hard, mineral-based, and designed to improve soil structure.
Is perlite safe for plants and people?
Yes. Horticultural perlite is non-toxic, sterile, disease-free, and safe for use in gardens and houseplants. However, the dust can irritate lungs and eyes, so it’s best to wear a mask when handling dry perlite.
Does perlite hold water?
Perlite holds very little water. Its main purpose is to improve drainage and airflow in soil, making it ideal for plants that prefer drier conditions, such as succulents, cacti, and orchids.
Can perlite be used for seed starting?
Absolutely. Perlite is excellent for seed starting and propagation because it improves aeration, prevents soil compaction, and reduces the risk of damping-off disease. It can be mixed with potting soil or used as a light top dressing for seeds that need light to germinate.
Does perlite add nutrients to soil?
No. Perlite contains no nutrients. It improves soil structure only, so plants grown in perlite-amended mixes will still need fertilizer or compost for proper nutrition.
Can perlite be reused?
Yes. Perlite can be reused if it is cleaned and sterilized. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry, or bake it at low heat to kill any pathogens before reusing.
Is perlite environmentally friendly?
Perlite is a natural material, but it is considered nonrenewable due to mining. That said, it is inert, long-lasting, and does not break down or pollute soil, making it a relatively low-impact amendment when used responsibly.
What plants benefit most from perlite?
Plants that prefer excellent drainage benefit the most, including succulents, cacti, orchids, houseplants, seedlings, and container-grown plants with dense or heavy soil.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/perlite-explained
 Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse