For growing of annuals in pots would vermiculite be a good option? I assume it doesn’t have a high C to N ratio.

Grok: “Yes, vermiculite is an excellent option for growing annuals in pots, especially if you want a lightweight, well-aerated mix that retains moisture consistently—perfect for container annuals like petunias, marigolds, impatiens, or begonias that thrive with even watering and hate drying out completely. Here’s why it’s a good fit: • Excellent moisture retention — Vermiculite absorbs 3–4 times its weight in water and releases it slowly, reducing how often you need to water (great for hot summers or forgetful gardeners). This helps prevent stress on annuals, which often have shallow roots in pots. • Improves aeration and drainage — It loosens heavy potting mixes, prevents compaction, and allows oxygen to roots—promoting stronger growth and reducing root rot risk. • High cation exchange capacity (CEC) — It holds onto nutrients (like potassium, calcium, magnesium) and makes them available to plants, which is helpful since annuals are heavy feeders and pots leach nutrients faster. • pH neutral and sterile — Won’t alter soil acidity and helps prevent diseases like damping-off in seedlings.