Is there a slight confusion over terminology here? My 10p on the categories.
I have never heard of "Builders' Sharp Sand" as a category of sand.
I know "Builders' Sand" (or Building Sand), which is the yellow or reddish-yellow stuff used to make mortar (eg bricklaying), or internal render. It clumps together, and feels soft.
And "Sharp Stand", which is the stuff with sharper (!) grains in various colours used for laying paving on, or for making render / concrete for external use. It drains easily.
I understand "Horticultural Sharp Sand" to be like Sharp Sand, but more washed and graded - perhaps with larger grains, which will help drainage more.
So I think "Builders Sharp Sand" probably refers to Sharp Sand above, not 'Horticultural Sharp Sand".
Would I use normal "Sharp Sand" for gardening. I would try, but perhaps stick to the Horticultural version for important things such as mixing into a medium for seedlings.
My local DIY stores seem to have plenty of sharrp sand in stock.
if you need to check for saltiness, try some on your chips or your breakfast hegg
“Rivers know this ... we will get there in the end.”
Perki has hit the nail on the head. It's the fine sand used for making mortar for bricklaying etc. which is the type to avoid. Sharp sand as sold by Wickes etc., is fine for horticultural use and I always taste mine - never any salt. It's just a general confusion with the naming of these materials - exactly like 'common' plant names, in fact.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
@Palustris unless you buy washed rendering sand then it will contain salt, all sand does. Mind while it's an issue in building trades (the salt leaches out in render and damages it) I don't think it would contain enough salt do and real damage in a a garden. I'm not an expert on the garden bit but am a builder so definitely know about salt in sand
Thanks to everyone, for your valued advise, a little confusing however, I believe both have & are being used. I’ll try both. Thanks again to you all. nick
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I have never heard of "Builders' Sharp Sand" as a category of sand.
I know "Builders' Sand" (or Building Sand), which is the yellow or reddish-yellow stuff used to make mortar (eg bricklaying), or internal render. It clumps together, and feels soft.
And "Sharp Stand", which is the stuff with sharper (!) grains in various colours used for laying paving on, or for making render / concrete for external use. It drains easily.
I understand "Horticultural Sharp Sand" to be like Sharp Sand, but more washed and graded - perhaps with larger grains, which will help drainage more.
So I think "Builders Sharp Sand" probably refers to Sharp Sand above, not 'Horticultural Sharp Sand".
Would I use normal "Sharp Sand" for gardening. I would try, but perhaps stick to the Horticultural version for important things such as mixing into a medium for seedlings.
My local DIY stores seem to have plenty of sharrp sand in stock.
if you need to check for saltiness, try some on your chips or your breakfast hegg
Thanks again to you all.
nick