[Munchkin]

Has anyone tried using sand beneath the soil to grow carrots? I'm not sure where I heard this but it's stuck in my head and think it's to do with fine soil. I haven't transplanted my carrots yet and wondering whether i should pick up some sand at bnq.

[Ice]

As long as it's sharp sand it will be fine.  I use a 50/50 mix sharp sand to soil or compost.

[TerryB]

A bag of sharp sand mixed with a bag of compost and put thru a 6mm / 1/4in sieve. Plant the carrot directly into it. Gave up transplanting carrots, better results planting direct, just got to protect from carrot fly.

[Munchkin]

Thanks a lot! I'm gonna try all of that.

[andy135]

Please forgive if I am wrong, but I thought that sharp sand was building sand and that it contains salt?

[Ice]

Please forgive if I am wrong, but I thought that sharp sand was building sand and that it contains salt?

No, sharp sand is safe for the veg patch.

[andy135]

Please forgive if I am wrong, but I thought that sharp sand was building sand and that it contains salt?

No, sharp sand is safe for the veg patch.

Thanks Ice. 

[digalotty]

building sand is the type used for morter as sharp sand is the gritty sand the type used for rendering or plastering

[operabunny]

The magic words to look for are 'horticultural grade' 

[SUTTY1]

Coarse or sharp sand from a builders merchant is OK, just ask if its been washed. Wording seems to vary around the country.

[MoreWhisky]

So builders sand , the type as used in morter as already mentioned, is no good?

I ask because i was on a building site yesterday and asked the guy who was mixing morter can i have some of that sand , help yourslef he said so i took to bags to mix in my carot raised bed. Glad its still in the boot of my car now 

[Yorkie]

Can't remember the details now but the answer to your question MW is that builder's sand is not a good idea.  Something to do with how it clumps / drains (perhaps  )

[MoreWhisky]

Thanks Yorkie , ive given the builders sand away now.

[Munchkin]

I bought sharp sand and sowed some carrots in a bed of the sand and compost mix. Took me ages to do so I hope it works. I'm going to do an experiment and do another bed without the sand.

[colliebird]

I've never grown carrots in sand, but I overwinter them in a big concrete trough and a big plastic bag (like a potato bag but rectangular and long).  Carrots keeps perfectly until late spring at least.  I've also overwintered parnsips this way as well.
I grow my carrots in planters alternating with rows of onions and garlic to keep the pests at bay.

colliebird