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best type of sand to mix in with clay soil?

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  • #1

    best type of sand to mix in with clay soil?

    The top half of our new lottie seems to have more of a clay texture that the bottom half, the other side of the path. Been told to mix in some sand to break it up a bit.

    What type of sand do I use and in what proportion? A local supplier does river sand and building sand. Are either of these suitable or should I look for something else, like grit? I assume this will improve the drainage.

    The supplier does a composted manure so maybe that would be better all ways round. Anyone else used sand in this way?
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  • #2
    What you need is caled "sharp sand", the grains are coarse and hard.
    It is what you would use to make concrete if sourcing cement, sand and aggregate(stones) seperately.

    Builders sand is too soft and fine and is what is used to make cement-mortar for building brick walls.

    I am unsure what "River sand" is.
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    • #3
      It can be quite hard to get the proportions right adding sand to clay - you need HUGE amounts to make a real difference. However, organic matter will also make clay more workable, help to create more humus on the soil, and I think (if you had to choose) I would use organic matter/compost rather than sand.

      But as others have said, if you're going for sand, you need 'sharp sand'. I'm only guessing here, but I think river sand might be silty rather than sandy, and wouldn't have quite the same effect as adding sharp sand (with larger grains).
      Growing in the Garden of England

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      • #4
        River sand would be dredged, so not washed. It would also be siltier and more rounded - which is not as good as sharp sand to add to clay. It is used - once cleaned - for concrete mainly.

        However, some of any sand - if your clay is really claggy - would be better than none.

        But, unless you have drainage issues, then rejoice in your clay soil. Add as much organic as possible and work it in over the years.
        Last edited by zazen999; 23-03-2009, 08:43 AM.

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        • #5
          my veggie patch at home is a few inches of thick clay soil on top of chalk - veggies (and weeds!) grow fine - i'm digging in compost each year to gradually improve it
          http://MeAndMyVeggies.blogspot.com

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