Newbie Composter; Another Question

14 years ago

My daughter has a sandbox that I anticipate taking apart in the next few weeks. Does sand add any benefit to a compost pile?

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Comments (12)

bpgreen
14 years ago
Not really. Sand is mineral and won't decompose the way plants will.
aman32
Original Author
14 years ago
What could I do with all this sand? How about mixing it with compost to add to the lawn/shrubs?
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luckygal
14 years ago
Depends on the type of soil you have as well as the type of sand. Also size of garden and size of sandbox apply. Sandbox sand is usual fine sand whereas coarse sand (builders' sand) is best for adding to clay soils.

I certainly wouldn't throw out this sand but wouldn't add too much to my garden.

Hopefully there are more knowledgeable people who will have an opinion.
spaghetina
14 years ago
Offer it to someone on Craigslist or Freecycle. Yes, I'm serious! I see people giving away sandbox sand all the time. Usually it goes along with a sandbox they're asking someone to come and take also, but if you don't have anywhere to put it, and you don't want to throw it out, someone out there may be able to use it in their newly constructed box.
wesley_butterflies
14 years ago
There does come one small advatage to sand box sand in a compoat pile and drainage is that one very small advatage
I would just give the sand away over adding it to a compost pile as mentioned chances are you already have a fairly drainage type of soil if you have clay though YES to sand but work it directly into the clay.
petalpatsy
14 years ago
If you have any low spots in the lawn, you can put a little sand there to help level it up.
aman32
Original Author
14 years ago
I'm awaiting my soil test results. I have no idea what kind of soil I have. Thanks for the suggestions.
Lloyd
14 years ago
What kind of volume of sand are we talking about? A few pails? A truckload?

I wouldn't add it to my compost.

Lloyd
aman32
Original Author
14 years ago
I could probably fill four 5 gallon buckets.
Lloyd
14 years ago
If it was reeaally fine sand I'd dry it and store it for use as a sandblasting grit. We have occasion to sandblast off rust and paint before we have to weld somethings.

Barring that, I'd cast it on my lawn. 20 gallons over a normal sized lawn would be a dusting and not significant in any manner I can think of.

Lloyd
val_s
14 years ago
One suggestion I have is to save and use it for a base. I'm putting in brick sidewalks and stepping stones and a gravel, then sand base is needed. If you're planning on doing any work like that the sand might come in handy.

Val
robertz6
14 years ago
Sand might be a soil additive, it is not a compost additive.

Sand in a compost pile would be a negative, it would often slow down the process.

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Newbie Composter; Another Question

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Newbie Composter; Another Question

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