Sand is a short word to describe a product that we are all familiar with, but with a multitude of uses. Sand is a very versatile product and has many varied uses in the garden. Sand is widely used in horticulture, construction and building and is of course ideal for children’s play pits.
Fine or Coarse
When sand is referred to as ‘fine’ or ‘coarse’ this refers to the size of grains whatever the shape, with coarse being a larger grain size and fine a smaller one.
Sharp or Soft
‘Sharp’ or ‘soft’refers to the shape of the sand grains, whatever the size. Sharp sand grains have an angular grain and soft have a more rounded grain.
Lime Free
The different types of sand used in horticulture are Grit sand, Sharp sand and Silver sand and differ from building sand as it has been washed and is therefore free oflime and won’t react with your soil or plants.
Grit Sand
Grit sand is coarse, gritty sand which improves soil drainageand is mainly used in potting compost, with alpines and rock plants, cacti and succulents and will also improve heavy or clay soils when added when preparing soil for planting.
Sharp Sand
Sharp sand has a finer texture than grit sand and is ideal for use in seed and cutting compost, aquatic filters for ponds, Japanese Zen garden design, propagators and as a lawn top dressing. Top dressing the lawn serves several purposes, mainly helping to improve drainage, control thatch and improve the soil. It also protects the grass over winter.
Silver Sand
Silver sand is a much finer grade and is added to compost for seed sowing, rooting cuttings and also in ponds and bog gardens. By adding silver sand to the compost you will improve drainage and aeration, giving seeds and root cuttings a good medium in which to thrive.
Building Sand
For construction projects building sand is an integral part of concrete and mortar mixes, laying paving slabs and plastering but isn’t suitable for horticultural purposes due to the lime content.
Children’s Play Pit
For children’s play or sand pits yet another type of sand is used. This sand is clean, non-allergenic and non-staining so it is safe for children’s use. Play pit sand is available in a range of colours and can also be used for decorative purposes, for example to dress planted containers in the house and garden.
Stand by Sand, it will serve you well.
