BadPun

Does anyone know a good way to procure 'large' quantities of horticultural sand? Our local nursery has small bags of it for $4 each... I've read that washed "sharp sand" is also an option. It will be used as a soil amendment for heavy clay soil.

Thanks-

Andy

sunfish

I would call around to the sand and gravel suppliers.

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Improving Clay Soil

BadPun

Thanks Tony-

The article you posted about amending clay soil recommended not using sand to amend clay soil because you have to use at least an equal amount of sand to the amount of clay, otherwise it ends up making your soil worse not better. I've read various things about using sand to amend clay and most sources say that it does improve the soil as long as you use "sharp sand".

I looked at paver sand today at Lowe's and it looks good (very heterogeneous in size, color, etc.) but it says nothing about it being washed, etc. It'd be nice to just be able to pick up 10 bags or so as needed if it was OK to use, but I suspect not.

sunfish

I found the same thing. Some say use sand others say don't. All the articles say to use a course compost.

Abnshrek

The only thing I have to add is I have seen what clay soil can do to a corm when it cools down and stays wet (since clay is the soil that holds the most water of any). I mix in sand (I've even used the play sand for the mix), a bag of cow manure compost, and peat moss. I think anything is better than have straight clay, just use a non-floating mulch to hold it all in place :^)

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Richard

Horticultural sand is mostly about 3/16 inch diameter but it contains smaller pieces as well. You should be able to find it from a materials supplier like Hanson's for $20 to $30 per cubic yard.

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BadPun

So I guess ultimately what I should be asking is other than grain size what do I need to worry about with regards to harmful by-products in the sand? What kind of sand should I stay away from?

I remember reading that play sand contains trace amounts of pesticides, etc. Will sand from building supply stores have these issues? Do I need to make sure whatever I get is washed (i.e. washed plaster sand)? Would paver sand be harmful to the soil?

Muchos gracias

Abnshrek

The question is what are you using the Sand for first? alot of paver sands after getting wet basically turn into cement cause they have a polymer to keep them from washing off & way. For planting mix I wouldn't use it simply cause its to fine kinda like using construction sand, if paver sand doesn't have the polymer. I hope that helps :^)

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