Clay pebbles

Draining, mulching, aeration

from: Molleke (Europe)

Clay ball is a 100% mineral, 100% natural product that is light, porous, highly stable, durable and recyclable. With its earthy-orange colour, it also has the advantage of being decorative.

Clay is extracted from quarries. It is then expanded by firing at very high temperatures and transformed into beads. Its high water content makes it easy to shape. There are several sizes of marble, but the most common is 8/16 mm.

How is it used?
Clay pebbles are porous, light, airy and stable, making them invaluable for outdoor gardening and potting. It helps plants to develop properly and reduces their susceptibility to disease.

> Draining pots
The clay ball is mainly used to ensure good drainage of the substrate in pots and tubs. It prevents water from stagnating at the bottom of the pot, drowning the roots and causing them to rot.
Use containers with perforated bottoms. Place a fairly thick layer of clay pebbles at the bottom of your containers (pots, planters, tubs, etc.). This should be between 2 and 5 cm thick, depending on the diameter of the container. Then cover with potting soil and place your plant.

> Aeration of the substrate
It lightens and aerates substrates. Drainage mixed with potting soil: 10% by volume
Clay balls mixed into the substrate or planting soil provide an aerated environment for crops that like light soil. The roots benefit from the gradual release of moisture. Add clay balls to your garden soil or substrate. Add 10% clay balls to the total volume of soil or substrate. Stir to distribute them evenly in the soil or substrate and then plant as normal.

> Mulching
Used as a mulch to limit evaporation. 2 to 3 cm thick
The clay ball is used as a mulch for potted plants or outdoor crops (small beds, rock gardens, etc.). The soil stays fresh, weed growth is limited and watering is reduced.
Its entirely mineral and natural appearance has the advantage of being both aesthetic and decorative. The colour of the clay ball creates an attractive contrast with the foliage of the plants.
Scrape the soil or substrate to clean and aerate the entire surface to be covered. Spread the clay balls over the surface. They should be between 2 and 3 cm thick. Don't water too much once the mulch is in place, as less water evaporates.

> Maintaining a humid atmosphere
It helps to increase humidity.
The clay pebbles help to maintain a high level of humidity, which is essential for certain indoor plants (tropical plants in particular). The presence of wet clay pebbles remedies dry air. the water gradually evaporates from the marbles and surrounds the plant with a humid atmosphere.
Fill a saucer or tray with clay marbles. Pour in a little water and place your pots on top of the marbles. Remember to add water to the clay pebbles regularly to keep them moist.

> Specific crops
The clay ball is used and recommended as a substrate replacement for so-called "hydroponic" crops and for epiphytic plants attached to a plant, such as certain orchids. It retains the water needed for this type of cultivation.

> Precautions and advice for use
Although the clay ball is non-toxic, it is advisable to keep it out of the reach of young children to prevent them swallowing it.
A drainage felt can be placed between the layer of clay balls and the potting soil to prevent them mixing. This also makes it easier to retrieve the marbles.
Rinse the clay pebbles before using them to remove any dust created by the pebbles rubbing against each other and any dirt.
Clay pebbles can be reused frequently and at any time of year. However, it's important to wash them down with plenty of water before using them again.
Tip: don't throw away the used clay pebbles, but mix them into the soil in your garden to lighten it.