Also known as grit sand, sharp sand has a coarse texture that makes it beneficial in gardening by improving soil drainage and aeration. This kind of sand is a lifesaver for waterlogged gardens.

The gardening website recommends a blend of one-third topsoil, one-third compost, and one-third coarse sand, with a bit of natural fertiliser, to give plants a head start. Related articles ...

Loosening the top layer of soil regularly helps keep potted succulents well-aerated. Use a small fork or stick to break ...

A reader who tried many other methods has concluded coarse sand is the best slug deterrent. Originally published as "Use Sand to Deter Slugs in the Garden" in the August/September 2010 issue of ...

2 Next they should mix some coarse sand into their compost, then nearly fill the pot with it. 3 Tell them to sort the plants into those with prickles and thorns, and those without.

A mix of equal parts topsoil, compost, and squeegee—a blend of coarse sand and gravel—works best. (You can buy squeegee at local Dreamscapes Landscape Center.) For native or xeric plants, use slightly ...

David Kuchta, Ph.D. has 10 years of experience in gardening and has read widely in environmental history and the energy transition. An environmental activist since the 1970s, he is also a ...