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Location

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Date Posted

Mt Vernon Ky

i have clay soil and been putting on cow manure and some one told me to put sand on it to what kind of sand should i use and how much should i put on a 45x70 patch thanks

10/29/2005 4:15:05 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I have clay soils as well. I was told to add "concrete sand" I found a source locally. The product is speced out for the roads department. If the product is off spec, they practically give it away. An experianced "clay soil " grower told me to put on an inch or two of sand and work it in. I had planned to do this this fall, but ran out of time. Perhaps next fall.

10/29/2005 8:35:06 PM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I caluclated I would need 35 tons for my 80 X 135 Patch

10/29/2005 8:36:04 PM

Mt Vernon Ky

thanks so much for the reply that help a lot

10/29/2005 8:37:18 PM

South Western Pa

Just my 2 cents, but I would stick with the cow manure and save the sand for under your pumpkins.

Mark

10/29/2005 9:13:30 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

If you do add sand you want to use a coarse grade like grit.
It will increase the wetability of your soil what I mean is if it ever dries out it is much easier to get it evenly moist again.

10/30/2005 3:40:47 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

I would look for a "slow" amendment policy...too much of one thing can cause problems...soil needs to be worked as you shoot for an optimum...the addition of OM to a clay base may cause problems to start in as an extremely soggy base over none draining clay hard pan that while soggy may dry out extremely quiclky after a brief dry spell..The addition of sand will firm up the extremely wet top layer but the water and sand particulates will eventually work their way down to the none draining clay. Clay has extremely good nutrient holding properties that is essential to good plant growth excluding it from your growing area is just as bad as having to much of it. work the soil until you are satisfied with its properties. each year you'll find that the growing depth and drainage problems will get better and deeper. Good Luck!! GrowEmBig!

10/30/2005 8:24:30 AM

Phoenix, AZ

I too have clay and hard packed at that. Go with organic matter. This is what did it. Mine is always nice an loose now.

10/30/2005 8:38:21 AM

Canada

Jersey Green Sand is a great additive for loosen up clay soils unfortunally it takes a long time to work

Dave

11/2/2005 7:53:43 PM