The debate to use builders sharp sand instead of Hort sand or grit could be endless. But if you take in to account why Hort sands and grits are washed so they are completely safe for gardening use. This is because that process remove any harmful acids or salts that will effect the soil based on what plants you have in your garden.My own personal choice with my own garden, that I have worked long hours creating, is that I will always go safe in what I place in to my soil. Finally, ask any proffessional gardener and he will say the same
I know this is an old thread, but I just recently started watching Gardener's World, so I have the same quesitons. What is the grit and where do I find it? We have something called "decomposed granite" which our home centers (hardware stores) claim is the same thing, but after reading the posts on here, I am going to ask them to open a bag and let me see and feel it before I buy it. Question: does granite "decompose" ... seems like a strange term to use for crushed rock, no? LOL!
I've been struggling to get hold of decent grit recently but I found Melcourt branded potting grit and it's been great for my alpines and succulents. It's quite fine, somewhere between sharp sand and grit. They do a bigger grade but it's more like your granite stuff I think.
If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
Granite does indeed decompose, you can end up with a pretty thick layer of "grus" as it's known over solid granite bedrock, it is not quite the same as crushed granite as the chemical profile is different but it should do exactly the same job. to the swedes asking here in Denmark horticultural grit doesn't exist either, but you can get "filtergrus" which is slightly finer 2-8mm or 2-4mm or aquarium grit both of which would do the job and might be possible to find.
Horticultural grit is a key element in all soils to add improve structure and drainage while providing small pockets to hold essential air and water.
Compost Direct’s horticultural grit has been washed, so it is free from lime and other elements. This gives it a neutral pH that will not affect soil acidity levels.
I think the stuff from builder's merchants often has salt in it.
yes it can do, or it may contain a lot of lime. As HelenP said, the horticultural stuff is usually 'lime free' (which weathered granite would be) and is basically chemically inert and pH neutral, or close to it.
Gardening on the edge of Exmoor, in Devon
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
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I found "Grani-grit" at my feed store. Very inexpensive & perfect for horticultural use.
The debate to use builders sharp sand instead of Hort sand or grit could be endless. But if you take in to account why Hort sands and grits are washed so they are completely safe for gardening use. This is because that process remove any harmful acids or salts that will effect the soil based on what plants you have in your garden.My own personal choice with my own garden, that I have worked long hours creating, is that I will always go safe in what I place in to my soil. Finally, ask any proffessional gardener and he will say the same
Horticultural grit is a key element in all soils to add improve structure and drainage while providing small pockets to hold essential air and water.
Compost Direct’s horticultural grit has been washed, so it is free from lime and other elements. This gives it a neutral pH that will not affect soil acidity levels.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”