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Horticultural / Road grit

InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
in Problem solving
In nearly all the GW programs I have seen, they refer to "horticultural grit". They have done some roadworks near us recently and left behind masses of grit. 
One of the reasons why road grit is not recommended is because it contains salt. Also it is alkaline. Is there any reason why we should not use it, to improve drainage,  if we are not worried about alkalinity, and wash it thoroughly ?
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Posts

  • scooty883scooty883 Posts: 34
    Road grit dissolves if you're referring to the ice melt stuff? If you mean the white chips for asphalt paths or drainage pea gravel I wouldn't see any issue
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    You could do a basic test - put some of the grit into a saucer and pour on some vinegar.
    If you see any fizzing, it's not suitable

    Billericay - Essex

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  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    We have used gravel from discarded road mending frequently in the past. As long as you as said, are not bothered about adding lime to your soil there does not seem to be any problem with it.  It is usually crushed limestone. Cannot see how any salt would get into it unless it was added before delivery to the road menders.
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