Fred- I'm not sure what the brand is, but it ends up being only a third of my potting soil mix (together with sifted compost, grit, sand, and some other "stuff"). Also, my well water is quite hard. All this together may have some nullifying effect on the salt, or just reduces its damage. I've also read it is used as a winter mulch, put in place in Autumn after the plants die back, and left in place all year. This recommendation comes from Richo Cech of Horizon Herbs in Williams, OR. As far as I know he does not wash it. -Travis Owen Rogue River, OR