Sandy soil.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

All the pictures I see of marciunus habitat is quite dry compared to the more northern Sp.
After looking at them I've been wondering if a sand/potting soil mixture would be suitable for them (Like the substrate used used for monitors).

What sand/soil ratio would allow the garter to burrow?
How often will it need to be watered?

[Greg'sGarters]

Honestly, I would stay away from that stuff. I wouldn't want my garters to ingest it. I like to use Excavator by Zoo Med. Just follow the mixing ratio on the package. Then just compress it down until it feels solid. Let it dry. It turns into a clay like substance like this - http://zoomed.eu/wp-content/uploads/...tor_in_use.jpg. You have to compact it down though, in that photo, it is not compacted as densely as I compact it.

[Stefan-A]

A lot of people here use a mix of sand and peat moss, not sure about the ratio. It's probably not going to cause any problems if ingested, unless the snake gets a mouthful of it, and at that point it doesn't matter what substrate it is.

[infernalis]

In the wild, I'm certain that they ingest a little dirt when eating a worm.

Unlike aspen, coconut or carefresh, dirt is natural, and a healthy snake would pass that dirt right through.

A biologist that I correspond with even has a theory that the minerals in a little dirt may even be good for the animals that ingest it.

When fecal samples from wildlife are examined in a lab, traces of dirt are commonly found in the analysis.

[thamneil]

I'd go for it. That is a very natural medium and shouldn't have any problems being passed. I'd probably choose a black earth or organic potting soil and add sand until I get what I like.

Heck, you could even throw some live plants in that!

[-MARWOLAETH-]

"Heck,you could even throw some live plants in that"
That's what I intend to do Ive decided to go with pothos,either snake or jade plant,Ficus pumila and a few wild grasses growing in clumps on the ledges.

Wayne-What substrate mix do you use for your boscs?

[thamneil]

Wild grass would look gorgeous! I really condone the use of ivy as well. Such a gorgeous plant! Tough as nails and looks extremely natural.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

LoL Forgot about ivy.If I can work how to make it grow up the background,it should look amazing! What are requirments for light and water?

[ConcinusMan]

I don't think that the habitat they are from should make any difference in your substrate choice. Some substrates are a poor choice for garter snakes, others are good. I don't think it makes any difference what type of habitat your garter inhabits in the wild. Also, if you're going to use sand, I think it's important to consider that not all sands are created equal.

[thamneil]

I've had it grow under incandescent bulbs! Don't know if it would cling to a background but it would certainly make a great ground cover.