Topic: Can you use play sand in the garden?

[wahaj]

Hey!

i've got REALLY heavy clay int he garden and i don't really have access to manure or compost....but i want to dig something into the soil that'll help with drainage. tescos have kids play sand really cheap at the moment. it's all washed and safe to use. is it ok for me to dig some into the borders?

it's like 98p for a huge bag....

[Kepouros]

Play sand is usually fine sand (mortar sand) which will stick together for sand castles & pies etc.  As such it is no use at all for improving clay.  What you need is very coarse sand or grit

[wahaj]

Play sand is usually fine sand (mortar sand) which will stick together for sand castles & pies etc.  As such it is no use at all for improving clay.  What you need is very coarse sand or grit

ahhh i see. okey dokey thanks for the help :)

[STHLMgreen]

I'm not sure...

At my allotment site the local apartment complex dumps the old playsand a few times a year. Everyone rushes to it, digs it in and swears by it. Maybe half of a hundred allotments use it and all 5 people I've spoken with have recommended it.

I don't have any personal experience (it's always been gone when I got there!)

[Lady of the Land]

B + Q have sharp sand for £1.12  a bag, just bought 14 bags to mix with compost in a raised bed.

[Trevor Holloway]

Wonderful freecycle strikes again, got nine carrier bags of sharp sand, someone had over ordered when doing some building work (might be worth having a word with a tame builder for a few buckets).