best way to shop for sand is actually seeing it ..... the size of either a pin head or Coarse Black Pepper is a very good place to start
many retailers pile sand in stacks - sometimes if bag is split open or in near proximity of those stacks are loose "samples" if not - ask to see a sample -
for plants ...you do not want fine uniform sized sand or silt ....this means no play-sand ...the coarser the sand the better
purchasing sand to be shipped ? - the shipping will often be more than the cost of the sand - shop local
before shopping for sand .... go over to the sandpaper department ....slide your finger over the sanding surface of all of the available sandpapers ...
try to remember the "feel" of the different grits, particle sizes, fineness and coarseness ....
all of them, are too fine for plants
uniform, same size fine sand and silt - after wetting, dries to hardened crust - blocking drainage holes and creating water dams - does not aid in drainage - too fine for plants
silt is like flour, (for baking) ...the slightest breeze will make it airborne - much too fine for plants
Coarse uneven sized sand allows drainage, remains loose - does not form crusty surface
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beach sand (ocean) contain salts (beware of "washed" ocean beach sand)
some plants can tolerate salt - others can not
beach sand (freshwater creeks, rivers lakes) may work great if its not silt or too fine
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rounded, (or polished) uniform sized sand closes air pockets - sand packs easily / dense = basic sand
angular, random sized particle sized sand - creates air pockets - sand loose / open = coarse sand ...AKA: "sharp sand" - a better choice for plants
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Size & Shape = industry standards
Size = uniform sizes across most markets
Shape = Well rounded or sub rounded or sub angular
Very Coarse Sand = 1.0 ~ 2.0 mm
Coarse Sand = 1/2 ~ 1.0 mm
Medium Sand = 1/4 ~ 1/2 mm
Fine Sand = 1/8 ~ 1/4 mm
Very Fine Sand = 1/16 ~ 1/8 mm
Silt = < (less than) 1/16 mm
Whole Black Pepper = 2.38 ~ 3.36 mm
Coarse Black Pepper = 1.19 ~ 1.41 mm
Table Salt (fine) = 0 ~ 1.7 mm
Table Salt (coarse) = 1.7 ~ 4 mm
Pin Head Diameter = 1.5 mm
BB (air rifle) Diameter = 4.3–4.4 mm
look for:
coarse Builder's Sand, Leveling Sand, or Horticultural Sand -
sift out fine grain silt
additive to make sands more gritty / chunky
add equal amount of Poultry Grit (chicken grit) /or Pea Gravel -
where to find
Sand - coarse ~ Online, Large Box Builder Stores, Plant Nurseries, Feed & Ranch Stores, Pet Stores, Hardware Stores, Landscape Supply
Poultry Grit / Chicken Grit ~ Online, Feed & Ranch Stores, Pet Stores, Some Hardware Stores
Pea Gravel ~ Online, Large Box Builder Stores, Plant Nurseries, Landscape Supply
