[richard2510]

Hi,

Does any one use Green Sand?  What does it do? Where can I get some?

I saw it being used on a program this morning but can't find it for sale anywhere. 

Cheers

[arugula]

Some info:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4474906_use-greensand-garden.html

Shopping results are not good, perhaps you could buy another product which contains the same or very similar nutrients?
 

[mumofstig]

it's mostly used in America/Canada, I think I think I've heard Trillium mention it.

This site
http://www.ghorganics.com/page32.html

shows that it adds Potash (Potassium) the K part of NPK that's listed on fertiliser packets and suggests

Apply seaweed, manure, rock dust

as an alternative

[Trillium]

Over here it's called Jersey Greensand as it comes from the US state of New Jersey. This is text from the local seller I get it from, Bio-Ag:

"Greensand conditions your soil nature's way.

Chemical Free
Weed Free
Non-Burning
Spreads Easily
Loosens heavy soils; binds loose soils

Jersey Greensand (glauconite) is an iron-potassium silicate that imparts a green colour to the minerals in which it occurs. Greensand contains marine potash plus silica, iron oxide, magnesium, lime and phosphoric acid along with over 30 trace minerals. Greensand is highly recommended for the conditioning of pasturelands, orchards, field crops, fruits and vegetable crops.

Nonburning Greensand is in great demand by horticulturalists, nursery operators and gardeners as a valuable, economical asset in growing strong, hardy plants, improving colours, prolonging the bloom of both flowers and foliage plants.

Greensand is of a soft nature and will break down and become a part of the soil.

It will not lose its strength in storage, and can be applied any time of year. "

It literally looks like green sand and has a sort of 'green' smell to it. My local heirloom seed grower uses it and says you only need to apply it every 2nd year, but she does hers as a broadcast spread.

At planting time, I take a bucket and make a planting mix of some greensand, kelp powder, epsom salts, alfalfa meal, vegetable fertilizer, powdered lime and BFB meal. I mix it well, add a handful to every planting hole, stir it into the soil then put in my seedlings that were dipped in mycorrhizal bacteria. I've been getting some fantastic crops like chard that's about 3 ft + high and more tomatoes than I can use. I personally use the greensand every year because the sand/kelp mix goes only into planting holes and every year I rotate crops and actual planting 'rows' so the new spots need the boost.

[richard2510]

Over here it's called Jersey Greensand as it comes from the US state of New Jersey. This is text from the local seller I get it from, Bio-Ag:

"Greensand conditions your soil nature's way.

Chemical Free
Weed Free
Non-Burning
Spreads Easily
Loosens heavy soils; binds loose soils

Jersey Greensand (glauconite) is an iron-potassium silicate that imparts a green colour to the minerals in which it occurs. Greensand contains marine potash plus silica, iron oxide, magnesium, lime and phosphoric acid along with over 30 trace minerals. Greensand is highly recommended for the conditioning of pasturelands, orchards, field crops, fruits and vegetable crops.

Nonburning Greensand is in great demand by horticulturalists, nursery operators and gardeners as a valuable, economical asset in growing strong, hardy plants, improving colours, prolonging the bloom of both flowers and foliage plants.

Greensand is of a soft nature and will break down and become a part of the soil.

It will not lose its strength in storage, and can be applied any time of year. "

It literally looks like green sand and has a sort of 'green' smell to it. My local heirloom seed grower uses it and says you only need to apply it every 2nd year, but she does hers as a broadcast spread.

At planting time, I take a bucket and make a planting mix of some greensand, kelp powder, epsom salts, alfalfa meal, vegetable fertilizer, powdered lime and BFB meal. I mix it well, add a handful to every planting hole, stir it into the soil then put in my seedlings that were dipped in mycorrhizal bacteria. I've been getting some fantastic crops like chard that's about 3 ft + high and more tomatoes than I can use. I personally use the greensand every year because the sand/kelp mix goes only into planting holes and every year I rotate crops and actual planting 'rows' so the new spots need the boost.

That's awesome man, thank you. 

Where do you get it from?

Richard

[solway cropper]

If your soil is in good condition I'd suggest you don't need it. The major nutrients it provides are easily available from any number of sources and the trace elements should be there in abundance in your soil anyway unless it has been over-cultivated for years.

As an addition to a potting mix it makes more sense, especially if using a commercial compost as they are often quite low in nutrients. Use it by all means but plenty of people get fantastic results without it!

[arugula]

That's awesome man, thank you. 

Where do you get it from?

Richard

Trillium is in Canada, some of the previous posts indicate that you might struggle to buy the product over here. I'm assuming you live in the UK, your profile doesn't say and your blog has permission denied, so I can't find out....

Perhaps she (Trillium) could point you towards an online source, but carriage would be expensive, if importing is even allowed.

[mumofstig]

If your soil can take the addition of lime, then Calcified seaweed or Rockdust may be suitable alternatives 

[Trillium]

I haven't been able to find any sources of greensand in the UK, but it doesn't mean there aren't any.

HERE is a very interesting pdf writeup about greensand. Perhaps you can create your own mix that is similar with materials available  to you.

[Swing Swang]

We used to use something called green sand for making casting molds for aluminium whilst at school not sure if it's the same stuff though