I learned the same thing, Don, re using builder’s sand, but it can be a mistake.  Think about mixing clay and sand; if you get it just right you’ve got cement.  And that did happen to me once.  The best way IMO to lighten clay soil is with organic matter.  I’ve used turkey grit mixed in my potting soil for plants that need sharper drainage and when the Ag store was out of it they sold me the ceramic product. But it was confusing because they told me it would promote drainage, but they told a friend of mine it would help retain water in the soil. I suppose it could do both but it seemed contradictory.  I noticed Russell used it on his perennials as a top dressing. Perhaps he can impart more info on Turface.

Kitty

Here in SE Wisconsin, our soil is the same, clay and basic.  One tactic I was taught regarding sand is not to use beach or playbox sand because of it’s fine and round grain, but rather to use what is sometimes called sharp sand, torpedo sand, or builders sand.  Larger grain with a much more coarse composition.  Works much better for me.  There is also a product called Turface, which looks like cat litter, but is a fired ceramic product, and is helpful in loosening up the soil.


-- Don Martinson
   Milwaukee, Wisconsin



On 9/4/16, 11:12 AM, "Kitty Morrissy" <1018@rewrite.hort.net> wrote:

I’ve not heard of lime sand either. But then, it’s not something I’d use. Our soil here is clay and basic – meaning you don’t use sand or lime.
 
Kitty