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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

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    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.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889

    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.

    Devon.
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    And grit.

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