Key Points
Adding sand to potting soil can improve drainage and aeration, helping certain plants like succulents and cacti thrive.
Mixing sand with potting soil requires careful consideration of sand type, soil texture, and plant needs for optimal results.
Sandy mixes drain quickly, so monitor moisture levels and adjust watering and fertilizing to support healthy plant growth.
Growing plants in containers comes with its own set of questions and challenges, particularly regarding the growing medium. However, pairing the right potting soil with the right plant is critical for said plant to thrive. You may be wondering, then, if it’s a good idea to add sand to your potting soil—or if it’s better to leave it alone.
We asked gardening experts what you should consider before modifying your potting soil and how they recommend doing so.
Meet Our Expert
Ka Yeon Jeong, research and development manager at Sun Gro Horticulture, a member of the National Garden Bureau
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Related: 7 Smart Ways to Use Old Potting Soil, According to Gardening Experts
When to Add Sand to Potting Soil
It’s a good idea to add sand to potting soil when growing certain types of plants. “Succulents, cacti, and some Australian natives do well in sandy potting mixes,” says Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping.
Matching the right soil to the right plant is key to creating a new soil mix. “Keep in mind how fast that sand will cause a container to drain,” he adds. “This means that higher maintenance and attention may be needed for a plant to thrive through the season.”
However, premium-quality potting soil should be balanced to retain water while providing appropriate drainage and aeration. “If potting soil is very fine and low quality with less aggregate, you can mix it with coarse aggregate such as perlite, bark, coarse biochar, or coarse sand,” says Ka Yeon Jeong, research and development manager at Sun Gro Horticulture. “You need to select good quality sand—coarse particles without weeds and soilborne diseases.”
Benefits
Helps keep moisture under control with succulents or woody herbs like thyme and rosemary
Drawbacks
Well-draining soil will need to be monitored more closely and possibly watered more often, depending on the plant and the container
Sand is a heavy medium and will make any container much heavier if a lot is added
Liquid fertilizers will likely need to be added to the watering schedule to make up for the lack of organic matter in sand
How to Do It
Before you get started, grab a large bucket. Then consider how much of each medium to mix together. “The quantities will depend on the plant that you’re hoping to grow,” Dilmore says. “You might try adding around 50 percent sand with 30 percent potting mix and 20 percent organic matter into a bucket and mixing it well with a shovel. This is also a great opportunity to mix in a small amount of organic fertilizer to your medium.”
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However, Jeong says that your mix really depends on four factors:
How fine your potting soil is
Desired aeration and drainage
She recommends making a small batch and testing it first. “The goal isn’t to necessarily add in too many nutrients,” says Corinne Beirne, kitchen garden coach and founder of The Nourished Garden. “It’s to provide adequate drainage and oxygen along with sunlight.”
Read the original article on Martha Stewart
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