g'day amy,

not sure what is meant by need to use native sand?

also what is the bed for vege's or flowers or something else.

no need for peat moss in any garden, far better alternatives exist ie.,. any composted organic material, or spent mushroom compost will do a far better job.

len

Here is a link that might be useful: len's garden page

The leaves from those deciduous trees that will be falling in another month are free while peat moss, also a non rewnewable resource, will cost a lot of money that you could use to buy seeds or plants. Sand needs lots of organic matter to fill in the pore spaces netween particles to slow down the loss of moisture and nutrients, so look around for other organic matter you can use that is more than likely available for free.

Thank you for your suggestions kimmsr and len.
We will be collecting mulch materials to mix in to the sand and mulch around the plants and will be blending composted cow manure and mushroom compost for our vegetable garden boxes.
I know it is a long and ongoing process of building up the organic matter in the soil/sand. I have been wondering if I could put down a layer of mulch under the 8 inches of compost and soil to keep the nutrients from draining away through the sand.
Thanks again!

best to put the compost under the mulch whether the mulch be hay or whatever.

len

Since you have sand to start with, no need to improve drainage! You should add any organic material you can get your hands on that is free. I would recommend horse manure, other people's bagged leaves, coffee grounds from Starbucks or etc., and old produce from markets or grocery stores. I would never buy peat moss but that is up to you, why buy it when there are so many other more nutritious things free?

Marcia

There's probably not a lot of fall leaves where Amy is talking about! Those wonderful barrier islands (like Jekyll, Tybee, Cumberland, and others are short on deciduous trees.) Some of the most common trees (live oaks and laurel oaks, both of which are 'evergreen') shed their leaves in the spring as the new growth emerges. But those durned leaves make for some crummy compost.

Amy, see if you can find a source of aged pine bark fines. Double or triple grind would work great for you.

I also wonder what you you mean by "native sand".
You can purchase builder's sand at any garden store or quarry. This is the sand to use in gardens, one that drains well.
Peat moss is a valid amendment when adding organic matter and far from being non-renewable....I wish these people would tell us what they use instead of oil and gasoline in their autos...peat moss is renewed in as little as 10 years.
Tell us Kimm how oil is put back into the ground.

I suggest you not use too much mushroom compost...it can be the carrier of fungal diseases which may explain why your vegies do so poorly. These fungi are prevalent where moist soil is a constant thing. Let the soil dry down some to defeat these fungi. The spores die in short order.
Instead find a more organic compost--you can buy sheep or cow manure at any garden center.

I wouldn't use leaves that have fallen onto your lawn if your grass is in poor shape. Diseases abound in soil where leaves have lain for long periods. Instead rake them up, throw in the compost or garbage and count on raking new fallen leaves.