Sand

[Dianne1234567]

Hi all

Is builder's sand the same as garden sand? I have read a few posts about mixing garden sand with compost for growing carrots and parsnips in. The reason for asking is that I have a few bags of builder's sand sitting in the garden and wondered if I could use this to mix with compost. Can anyone advise?

[Two_Sheds]

no, builder's sand is too fine. You want some sharp/horticultural sand.

[bobleponge]

Whilst I bow to TS' superior knowledge, and am sure she is horticulturally correct, as I have very heavy clay, I made my carrot raised bed out of compost and building sand (as I had loads and didnt want to buy other stuff).
Worked fine for me. Thats not to say I wasnt very lucky, but it did work.

[kentvegplot]

I would use washed sharp sand - the 'washed' bit means that it's not full of salt. Not sure how different horticultural sand is, but my local nursery uses the washed sharp sand and find it perfect.....but of course they are using a large amount. Might be hard to buy in small quantity?

[Dianne1234567]

I too have heavy clay, although do have raised beds but are full at the moment. That was when I found the x2 bags of builders sand. Like BS I was going to mix with compost and grow carrots and parsnips in an old cupboard thing which we don't use, so think will give it a try. Cheers TS and BS.

[zazen999]

Can I just add; I usually get into huge fights about this issue...

Sharp sand is best

But if you have clay soil and a bag or two of builders sand; then use it.

Where I've used it on my clay lottie, it has improved the structure no end. I use it in beds for parsnips and/or carrots.....and they have all grown nicely with it.

[Dianne1234567]

Cheers Zazen - I will do just that. Cheers.

[HotStuff]

I too have heavy clay, although do have raised beds but are full at the moment. That was when I found the x2 bags of builders sand. Like BS I was going to mix with compost and grow carrots and parsnips in an old cupboard thing which we don't use, so think will give it a try. Cheers TS and BS.

BS? This lady obviously knows something we don't Bob

[Snadger]

Tum..de....dum...... de..... dum.. (Nearest I can get to saying nowt!)

[sarraceniac]

The one problem you might encounter with builders' sand is that it often, no, usually, contains a large amount of lime. If you are growing acid loving (i.e. lime intolerant) plants then you must wash it well first. People with clay are safer than others because clay is usually acid and you end up with a nice neutral mix. If in doubt stick with sharp sand. B & Q do it at a good price but make sure you get the right stuff.

[Dianne1234567]

Just read it all back today, sorry Bob. Don't know what I was thinking (I obviously wasn't).

[Liza]

Tum..de....dum...... de..... dum.. (Nearest I can get to saying nowt!)

Go on Snadger .... you know you want to......

[HeyWayne]

I think the definition of 'builders sand' can vary greatly. I've bought some before now that has been almost grit-like, and other that has been more like your traditional 'orange' sand.

[Janek]

We call it washed river sand Down Under. Over the years I have ordered several truckloads of it for my garden. For those with heavy clay soil, gypsum works wonders. It is a fabulous clay breaker. Just dig it in and watch it work, or almost! I have pretty good soil now but repeat applications are necessary every year or so to stop your soil 'reverting'. Don't worry too much about the directions on the bag. The more you add and dig in the quicker it will work.

[Liza]

I think the definition of 'builders sand' can vary greatly. I've bought some before now that has been almost grit-like, and other that has been more like your traditional 'orange' sand.

I guess...." you get what you pay for "