Making a substitute for Horticulture sand?

[Samuel1988]

Evening all,

Am getting ready to plant some carrots in some containers and I read that they like sandy soil - initially I used builders sand but I came across something which said this was not appropriate.

I really want to avoid spending any more money this year and so I was wondering if anyone has a substitute for horticulture sand/they make their own? I was thinking of maybe grinding up some old bricks into a smooth sandy texture and mixing it in with the soil.

Thanks for your help,

Samuel

[zazen999]

Builder's sand is fine.

[Alison]

You might not need sand at all, depends on your soil. Sand is good if youth soil is very heavy but I sow quite happily straight into my soil.

[Two_Sheds]

I was thinking of maybe grinding up some old bricks into a smooth sandy texture

Really? Really really? You must be young & strong.

MPC is perfectly fine for carrots, they don't "need" to be in sand ~ they just find it easier to grow in sandy light soil than in heavy claggy clay

[Geordie]

If you use builders sand it should be 'washed' because of the possibilty of lime and or salts. Remember there is no one formula for builders sand, some will be coarse and some will be fine so will effect how you would use it....sand should be quite coarse for your intended use.