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Sand in clay soil
Hello,
I have dug up crazy paving in my new garden, and underneath is a lot of sand/cement mixture which i intend to remove. However, given the soil is clay, is it worth it/ does it matter if some the sand gets worked into the soil rather than being removed?
Thanks, Chris
Last edited: 18 February 2018 11:45:31
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Builders sand is too fine to be of use and on a clay soil can make matters worse as it binds with the clay. Sometimes it also contains chemicals that you don't want on your garden. Best plan is to remove it, but no need to be too fussy about removing every bit
Lots of organic matter will break down the clay and release all the good stuff that clay soil has.
Billericay - Essex
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I'd suggest that any nastiness in the sand will long have leached out already if it's been under the slabs for a while.
I agree with Pete, bulky organic matter ( well rotted manure / well rotted garden compost etc) is best for breaking down clay.
And grit.