[millie7000]

Having read that you can mix sand into your soil to help parsnips, i wondered what sort of sand i would use anybody help please?    

[bob_fox]

I've used sharp sand before with some success. You can buy it at B&Q or builders merchants. Don't use builders sand.

[John]

It also helps carrots -
If you wish to economise, you can lever a hole in the soil at intervals, fill with a sand and compost mix then station sow.- thinning out as required.

[king cauli]

nice tip with the economic use of the sand,thanks

[wellingtons]

... can I ask why you would do that?  I'm assuming it's a good idea if you've got lumpy soil as they grow better in sandy soil??

[muntjac]

... can I ask why you would do that?  I'm assuming it's a good idea if you've got lumpy soil as they grow better in sandy soil??

 erm welly states the obvios again ......... you just gotta love her aint ya  

[wellingtons]

... well I was just wondering if I was missing a trick ... I have sandy soil anyway so I'll probably not bother!

Mind you trying to plant parsnips yesterday I did a 16ft row, but courtesy of the breeze I think I scattered seed over my plot, the two neighbours and the one behind.
 
Heaven alone knows where the love-in-a-mist will come up because that just blew right out of my hand!!

[muntjac]

now now seed sharing is only allowed on here musses ,, tip for light seed sowing on the plot.......... spit on ya hand afore you pour it in ur palm

[wellingtons]

... I'm a girl!!!

[muntjac]

yeh and your point is ? .. .ooooooooooooooooh im a girl  :shock:

[noshed]

Does it say "sharp sand" on the packet?

[loubylou29]

Why can't i use builders sand? because it has grit in it? my next door neighbour had a ton delivered so he let me have some to mix with compost to grow carrots in a container.. can't I do it now??

[John]

Why can't i use builders sand? because it has grit in it? my next door neighbour had a ton delivered so he let me have some to mix with compost to grow carrots in a container.. can't I do it now??

According to Medwyn Williams you should use concreting sand - so what is that?
You can tell my building skills are as good as my brain surgery.

[WG.]

I reckon builder's sand will be fine but maybe bob_fox can elaborate.

[muntjac]

you want sharp sand and that the same as comcrete sand .. its only sand and pebble when its concreting ballast so just ask for " sharp sand " soft sand is for laying bricks etc