I forgot to show a pic of the pine bark fines I found (see below).

Would I need to screen these before use or can I use them as is?

The strainer I have has openings ~ 1 mm (~ 1/32 inch) not the ideal 1/8 inch (3 mm).

If I need to filter out the small particles I will have to see if I can find larger screen options at Lowes

Also, if the turface needs to be screened before use would the strainer I have work or do I need something larger (1/8 inch)?

Thanks
Brian

The mulch has a rather large particle size for use in soils, so I would screen it or run it over with a bagging/mulching mower to reduce the size. I'm afraid that if you use it as is, You'll have too much difficulty keeping up with the watering. Dust - 3/8 is ok for the 5:1:1 mix, and 1/8-3/8 is best for the gritty mix.

I use 10-12 mesh (insect screen) for screening the Turface and finer particulates from bark, granite, and Turface.

Al