Which sand for soil improvement?

LeadFarmer

Im replacing my lawn this year and want to rotavate some sand into the heavy soil to help with drainage. Would regular grit sand from builders merchants be suitable?

 

Thanks. 

BobTheGardener

Yes, a rough grade of sharp sand like that would be good and is the cheapest suitable stuff.  Just avoid 'builders sand', as that has rounded grains (it's basically graded beach sand) which won't help drainage much.

LeadFarmer

Thanks Bob. I have a tonn bag left over from my block paved driveway project, I shal put it to use.

Cheers

nutcutlet

note the rough grade. we had sharp sand (not soft builders sand) from the builders merchant in a grey water filter system. It had to be stirred up every week or so or it stopped draining altogether. 

Maria Duncan

I have buiders sand,can I use this mixed in to the compost

bookmonster

I'd urge caution - we had to dig out lumps of concrete like stuff when putting a lawn in, where sand had mixed with the clay soil and set. We just dug in plenty of organic matter.

 

Fairygirl

Might be better with rough horticultural grit or even fine pea gravel if it's really heavy. I'd go along with bookmonster and put organic matter in. It all helps. I've always gardened in clay soil that you could throw pots with and grit and manure are the best helpers you can have.