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Old 05-13-2012, 11:44 PM   #7 (permalink)
Richard
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Default Re: Sand instead of mulch in flower bed

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ready2Play View Post
So what about mulch underneath the sand? I have clay and the bed is at the downslope of my yard not too far from the drain bed, so the ground will retain moisture either way...my main concern is the sand inhibiting growth or thriving of the plants...
You might be confusing mulch with compost. Compost is fine grain material. Mulch is the size of gravels. For example, mulch for orchids in pots is typically 1/4 or 1/2 inch diameter, where as mulch for fruit trees is typically 1 inch diameter on average.

If you put sand on top of mulch, it will soon become a mixture of mulch and sand -- removing the aerobic property of the mulch.

If you want a garden bed with beach sand in it -- go for it, but choose plants that thrive in that environment.
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