sharp sand...can I use builder's sharp sand?

[dingerbell]

Continuing my thread on a raised bed for carrots....I can't find large quantities of Horticultural sand but bulk builder's sharp sand is easy to find. Is there any way that I can test the lime content for suitability and if so, what is the recommended Ph ??

[dingerbell]

[cambourne7]

Hi

I dont think you can use builders sand as it may have something in it?
certainly when i bough some for doing my patio i was told not to but in with my soil.

Hence me tipping the dry cememt into it and now whats left is about 1/100th cement so definatly not going onto beds.

( going to pour it down the side of my plot to help stop the weeds growing up under the fencing on one side! )

But  fear this is one of those depates that goes on and leaps from one side to the other along with is male pee better for compost then female and the importal when should i sow my spuds

Cambourne7

[Tee Gee]

Builders sand!! is a bit of an anomally.

Building sand as used in mortar is of no use, it is too fine and often contains clay.

River/Sharp sand the type used for making Concrete is ideal. It is far cheaper than the  Agricultural grade which generally is only a washed version of the concreting sand.

I use nothing else.

And if you want grit!! buy B&Q ballast again this is just an unwashed variety.

[MrsKP]

bee yoo gee gee ay arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

was up and b&q at the weekend there and couldn't find the normal supply of sand in the garden bit, asked a man with apron and he directed me to the builders yard where i find sharp sand !

if my carrots don't grow because this idiotum splendiferousium has sold me the wrong friggin sand i shalt not be pleased i tell thee !

[quizzical1]

you could try playpit sand, which is very clean for obvious reasons, and available from the likes of Toys'R'Us.