I hope so too Fairygirl. I did ask at the builders yard and they assured me that this sharp sand was used by growers -so I hope he knew what he was talking about - I don't want to lose any more seed sowing time if I can help it.
hi guernse y doneky 2 when I make up my compost with my mpc I use what is called (plastering) sand has some sharp bits taken out I find it ok but someone will find faults with it ps I was a forman in a big builders and I found it best hope it helps michael
Gypsum is excellent as a soil improver on clay soil as it takes up the bonds that the clay particles normally make between themselves, helping to open up the soil structure. You can add sand to clay soil, but if the clay is prone to drying out, you may end up with cement.
Great thread. Sometimes I think we shy away from asking a question in case the answer is obvious to 'real gardeners'. I always wondered what the difference was and never realised that gypsum was good for clay soils.
I need some sand to mix with soil for my Samphire. I was thinking of builders sand because the salt would not be a problem, but lime? Sharp sand it is then.
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I hope so too Fairygirl. I did ask at the builders yard and they assured me that this sharp sand was used by growers -so I hope he knew what he was talking about - I don't want to lose any more seed sowing time if I can help it.
Don't judge sand by its colour. It varies from one gravel pit to another. Texture is what counts.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Couple of hessian sacks, beach sand and a hosepipe. Sorted.
In all seriousness though, avoid builders sand for the reasons listed above unless you know for certain it's been thoroughly washed.
I usually use fine garden grit of a few mm in size. I find it breaks the compost up a bit better for pricking out seedlings.
hi guernse y doneky 2 when I make up my compost with my mpc I use what is called (plastering) sand has some sharp bits taken out I find it ok but someone will find faults with it ps I was a forman in a big builders and I found it best hope it helps michael
Gypsum is excellent as a soil improver on clay soil as it takes up the bonds that the clay particles normally make between themselves, helping to open up the soil structure. You can add sand to clay soil, but if the clay is prone to drying out, you may end up with cement.
Great thread. Sometimes I think we shy away from asking a question in case the answer is obvious to 'real gardeners'. I always wondered what the difference was and never realised that gypsum was good for clay soils.
Ok, so I have to check the consistency of the sand. Got that. But in what ratio do I mix it to the compost for seedlings?
You can do a 50/50 Gardenviking - that usually works well for most seedlings.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I need some sand to mix with soil for my Samphire. I was thinking of builders sand because the salt would not be a problem, but lime? Sharp sand it is then.
Member of the Parsley family, grows along sea cliffs and exposed shorelines.