Heads up on cheap Repti Bark

[Keys6505]

Just an FYI for people who use bark in their mixes, I just got 24qt bags of Repti Bark for $7.69 per bag at Petco.  I think it's a mistake on the website but the store honored it even though they were still ringing up $28.99 in store.

[Xenon]

Screened pine bark fines are waaaay cheaper. That place in Bellaire has 2 cu ft. bags for 4.99, sold under "Landscaper's Pride Soil Conditioner". 

[Scott W]

Interesting, definitely seems like a website error, but who am I to complain .

I put six bags in the cart and it gives me the price plus free delivery.  I've been using this in my cycad mix and most recently my Lytocaryum mix.

[Keys6505]

5 hours ago, Xenon said:

Screened pine bark fines are waaaay cheaper. That place in Bellaire has 2 cu ft. bags for 4.99, sold under "Landscaper's Pride Soil Conditioner". 

I agree with it being expensive but I had never been able to find any cheaper options locally.  I saw that product when I was at SW Fert a week or 2 go but the bag only said "screened pine" when their mulch says "pine bark".  So I figured if it didn't specifically say bark it'd be other junk in there too.  Have you used it?  Good stuff?

[Xenon]

43 minutes ago, Keys6505 said:

I agree with it being expensive but I had never been able to find any cheaper options locally.  I saw that product when I was at SW Fert a week or 2 go but the bag only said "screened pine" when their mulch says "pine bark".  So I figured if it didn't specifically say bark it'd be other junk in there too.  Have you used it?  Good stuff?

The bags I bought in 2018 were 100% screened pine bark, very uniform high quality stuff. The bags I bought a few months ago were more like 95% screened pine bark with the occasional piece of wood (but no plastic, rubber, dirt, or other junk). You can sort it but I'm too lazy and use it straight for tropicals, including some high value aroids without any ill effects. Ymmv

Coconut husk chips from a hydroponic store may also be cheaper

Edited October 4, 2021 by Xenon

[Fallen Munk]

And here I've been using my wood chipper and a screen frame....

[Scott W]

FYI, I ordered 8 bags, and opted for redelivery in six months.  Price dropped to a little over $5 a bag with free delivery.  

The redelivery shows it priced at $7.69 a bag as well....

[Scott W]

I was expecting them to realize their mistake and either cancel or send the smaller bags.  First bag that arrived yesterday was the full 24 quart bag!