Horticultural Grit...

I normally use sharp sand from a builders merchant - B&M are where ever . B&m didn't have any sharp sand for some bulb planting so I picked up a bag of horti sharp sand from garden centre cost about £1 or so extra , I must say it is much nicer than ordinary sharp sand it coarser and feels better when handling it . I were getting grit for a change but it is rather expensive for what it is .

 

So there you have it @lizzie Grouch ! Look forward to hearing about the progress of your borders !!

 

Must admit I found that the horticultural grit does appear to be sharper and grittier, and better for top dressing pots etc.

Earlier in the year I bought a bulk bag of type 1 roadstone, it looked like limestone, it was very white in colour, but when I washed it it was really nice pieces of granite, actually used some for top dressing around some agaves and it looked good.

Bought another bag a bit later expecting similar and it was just a lot of white stone chippings, broken concrete mostly I'd guess.

 

So I believe, they also have to take in to account the mixing, rpm and time.

Same for us when making compost, so for a peat based multipurpose, the fertiliser and lime goes in first, then the peat is added. The mixer is on a set rpm, when mixing you also have to take in to account loading and discharge time. If the compost stays to long in the mixer its starts to destroy the texture of the peat. If you don't allow enough time and discharge to quick, then your fertiliser and lime will not be mixed evenly through the load.

 

Thanks Everyone - much appreciated.

The area has just been laid to lawn and I want to create some different planting areas. I also want to plant my potted trees - they've all been in pots for approx 13 years and getting too big.

A Wollemi Pine, Ginko, Monkey Puzzle, Acers, Ferns, Palms, but worried about the soil and drainage - hence the HORTI-GRIT. They've always thrived in pots - but becoming increasingly difficult to manage as they mature.

I'd like to add to this and also seasonal colourways (this needs a bit of research!)

Thanks again
Lizzie

 

I generally grow cacti, which loves free draining soil, so I use a cactus compost at about 50% , perlite at about 30% and mix in grit about 20%, this works well for me.
I used a horticultural grit in the past, but nowadays as my son in law drives for Tarmac , he brings home a bucket of 3-6mm grit , I just wash it well, and I’ve had no problems

 

By the way @lizzie Grouch ..


Don't forget to post some pics please....we luv them!!

 

Years ago I taught Rural Science in a Somerset shire school. When mixing compost I used Cornish Grit. Wonderful stuff and we even used it for hydroponics. Now can't get it anywhere. Would be perfect for my Salvias. Does anyone use it and where do you buy it please?

 

Its not cheap is it?

 

Well yeah just looking around that seems about normal price.
This stuff really has shot up in price

One bag goes nowhere.

It says free delivery over £30 but I'm guessing that is in the local area.

 

Sorry John, had to laugh to myself.
Visions of the poor old postman struggling up the road with it and trying to get it through the letter box.