I'd say no, they need to be a bigger size particle to go with the bigger size of the bark. Basically, the peat will fill the pores between the bark, the sand will fill the pores between the peat, and you'll never get any kind of air to the roots. That is why I believe Al recommends a product like Turface MVP or one of the other fired clay soil conditioners.

Brier, If its the same sand that I saw at my Lowe's, I don't think you can use it?

Here is a picture of the sharp silica sand that I purchased, hopefully it will give you a better idea of the size that you're looking for.

{{gwi:11739}}

publvr,
Where did you buy this kind of sand?

briergardner,

Yes it's called "sharp sand" or "silica sand". There's a link to a photo of it, very similar to what puglvr posted:

http://photos.gardenweb.com/garden/galleries/2009/02/silica_sand.html?cat=container_gardening

It's also used for swimming pool filters so you might find it at a pool supply store. I bouut a 50 pound bag of it a few years ago at a local big box store for less than $10.

Hope that helps!

Dave

I used to buy it at Meijer - don't know if they still sell it. Also try a (real) masonry supply business. They have silica in various sizes. That's where I buy.

Al

Yes I also bought mine at Meijer here in Michigan. I bought it in the outdoor section, it was sold as pool filter sand. Not sure if they still sell it or not.

I've looked at Menards, Lowe's and Home Depot but have not seen silica sand there.

HTH

Dave

Isn't this a carcinogen? I was told at the builder's supply store it's used for sandblasting. I also found it at the local pet store under the Absorbs It (All Purpose) label. It's 7.99 for a 50 lb bag and is made by Oil Dri. The bag touts it as a Natural Earth product used for pets but also useful for plants. Component: Crystalline silica (quartz)- and then there's the OSHA warning about its dust...

Caracu,

I've not heard that silica sand (aka sharp sand or pool filter sand) is a carcinogen but others on this list might have better information.

The bag of sand I have is similar to the bag in the attached link, but from a different manufacturer. It's quite coarse so I doubt it's used for sandblasting. So far I've encountered very few fines in this product.

Perhaps you are thinking of a product called diatomaceous earth (DE) instead of sharp sand? DE contains a significant amount of fines (dust) and I've read that they can be a health issue if inhaled.

I have not heard that OilDri distributes sharp sand but more likely the product in question is a DE product rather than a sand product.

HTH,

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Silica sand

One should be very careful when using silica sand products. Wear a dust mask or keep it wet at all times. Silicosis can be a problem down the road if inhalation of the dust isn't avoided.

Here's a link to pictures I took of the product found at the pet store. It includes its multiple uses and also the warning regarding silicosis. The silica sand at the builder's supply store has different grades and the sales person when asked said it was used for sandblasting.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silica product

I had just posted this at another forum when I noticed your post:

Silica = silicon = silicon dioxide = quartz. It's extremely common in the earth's crust in silica-rich rocks such as quartz, obsidian, granite, and sandstone. Quartz and feldspar are the most significant silicate minerals. Silicon also alloys with a variety of metals, including iron, aluminum, copper, nickel, manganese. It's often used in foods as an anti-caking agent, so it isn't likely to harm you unless you breathe the dust, which can put you at risk for respiratory issues like silicosis.

Wear a mask, as you should when you are working with sphagnum moss, perlite, pine bark, and other soil products that contain dust you could inhale. Moistening it as soon as it's feasible in soils also considerably reduces any risk.

Al

Caracu,

Thanks for the post. After looking at the photos you provided I'm fairly sure the OilDri product you are referring to is diatomaceous earth rather than silica sand. I'm not a geologist or anything, but having used both DE and silica sand I'd say the two products are quite different. They both can be used and have places in container gardening but I believe those are two different products.

OilDri makes quite a few different grades and types of moisture absorbing products but I'd be surprised if that bag contains silica sand.

I've read posts on this forum and others about the danger of breathing DE fines so yes you should either wet the product before use or at least use a mask. Someone said DE fines are sometimes used as insecticide.

I'm about halfway through my bag of silica sand and I've encountered very little dust or fines so far. Maybe as I reach the bottom I will find more.

Thanks

Dave