Has anyone tried using hazelnut husks in their soil mix for containers? I end up with large bowls of it this time of year. The pieces seem like the perfect size for use in soil. I soaked a handful of them in a mug and they seem to absorb water. Could this be the poor man's CHC (coconut husk chips)?

Hi Junglekeeper, I bet you could use most any type of chip, chunk, shell ect. The important things would be, amount of water it will absorb, how quickly or slowly it will degrade, any salts it might contain, particle size, and its normal pH. How about giving them a test and report your finding in a posting. - Millet

I dont know if it was the salt content or what, but I thought they would add to drainage. theyre a bit hard-shelled. they plants died rapidly in potting soil. Id make sure you soak the salt (if any) out. Ive never seen macadamia husks....
good luck!

I sometimes order a mix that is about 30% peanut hulls with the balance being pine bark and peat. You can also get a formula with perlite added. It sort of depends on what is available locally. I have noticed that the peanut hulls do not seem to break down as fast as some products.

Ned

Hazelnut shells are quite tough so they should last a long time. That and the fact they drain quickly is why it's used on walkways. I don't have enough plant material or space to do a true test. However I may try it on some seedlings in the spring. Here is a page on uses for hazelnut shells.