Doing my first outdoor grow, but I don't want use perlite or vermiculite since it is easy to recognize. I was considering the darker hydroton instead. Would this work as a replacement for perlite. Any other suggestions?

hydroton could also work but would not hold as much moisture as pearlite, or red volcanic rock (Ignimbrite rock) would also be less obvious/visible

I understand Perlite is also used to help drainage, would hydroton be as effective, what about the red volcanic rock for drainage? The rock sounds like it would be heavier.

volcanic rock is not very heavy at all, probably equal or less than hydroton

both hydroton and volcanic rock are effective for drainage

all you really need for drainage in soil is pieces of solids(that will not hold as much moisture as the medium) spaced throughout the medium, improving aeration and allowing water to trickle through faster.

I know someone who grew in horse shit...just horse shit. At least thats what he claims. The plant wasn't very big but it was still potent. Still, I wouldn't suggest it. He said his other plants loved it but the weed just didn't get all it needed.

After reading frmrgrl's new mix, and noticing that coconut fibre(coco coir) has become readily available in my area. I'm thinking of including it in my mix.

As it is, this is my base mix.
4 parts Pro Mix HP
3 parts Perlite
2 parts Compost

I was thinking of substituting some for the Pro Mix. My concern is the ratio of perlite. Do you think that will have to change?
That and what's the deal with pH of coco coir?

would the following work out?

2 part native soil
2 part horse manure
2 part perlite
2 part worm castings

I have been thinking of working native top soil into the mix.
Worm castings are like hens teeth in my parts. That's why I add them in tablespoons, not gallons.
Overall I'm pretty happy with my mix. The coco coir looks attractive because of the lack of bulk. Bales of pro mix are a bit big and awkward. I also feel a bit conspicuous buying big bags of perlite. Now that I'm recycling a portion of my soil, those needs are less.
Any how, from what I gather, coco coir needs to be rinsed to rid it of salts, and help keep the pH in check. How is pH over the long run? Will it pose a problem with recycling soil?
Also, how much perlite is needed with coco coir? 1-1? 2-1?

I began experimenting with a Terra Preta Earth method last spring. Basically I soak charcoal with my grow nutes(Dr. Hornby's Mother Earth Grow Tea) overnight and I add 200g Charcoal/Kg topsoil. This displaces the soil with about 20% carbon; makes soil very aerable, super pourous. I have recycled this soil mix for three successive grows now using no grow nutes during veg. only bloom nutes (Dr. Hornby's Mother Earth Bloom Tea and Big Bloom) at half strength during bloom. In a scrog setup under 430W (am just learning to scrog) I get between 4-6oz from 2 12" tall canopied plants in 2 gal pots. Pic is last harvest February 2009 and I netted just under 5oz dried. Seeds donated by Bladerunner's Freedom Tour III
[img]http://yfrog.com/0btwinfreedomsistersj [/img]

if you sprinkle some coco coir over top of the mix it will blend in well

http://www.breedbay.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=8040