sieving earth

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by xoot, Apr 18, 2011.

  1. xoot

    xoot Apprentice Gardener

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    Can earth be sieved too fine? Does it need some gravely stones for drainage?
    Are there different grades for different jobs, eg finely sieved earth/compost for seeds and seedlings and a gravely mix for larger plants, bulbs etc.

    I've been sieving out all the stones from my soil and I'm just wondering if I'm being too efficient.
     
    xoot, Apr 18, 2011
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  2. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    If you are taking out anything bigger than, say, a pea I reckon you are fine.

    personally I only remove stones that are bigger than a broad bean.

    Depends a bit what you are sieving for ... if its planting holes for Parsnips then I wouldn't even leave a pea-sized stone in!
     
    Kristen, Apr 18, 2011
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  3. JWK

    JWK Gardener Staff Member

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    Yes it's possible to sieve it too fine, it depends what type of soil you've got but generally the soil needs different sized particles to make an open structure for drainage and aeration. If it's all very fine theres a danger it can become compacted and sticky like mud, then when it dries out it sets like concrete. Take out big stones (if you've got the time!) but I never both, because it's an endless task.
     
    JWK, Apr 18, 2011
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  4. xoot

    xoot Apprentice Gardener

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    Thanks for your replies. I've been told I've got really good soil so I'll not do too much sieving with it.
     
    xoot, Apr 19, 2011
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  5. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    Are you sieving for a reason? If not then save the effort!
     
    Kristen, Apr 19, 2011
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