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#1
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Help: locating coarse sand as a soil component
Hi,
I am starting to make my own soil, using turface, pine bark, and sand. I have a bag of Turface, and the screened pine bark. However,I have not been able to locate any coarse sand at my local garden centers. I am here in Warner Robins, Georgia (Pretty much on the line between Zone's 7 and 8). So if anyone knows of a place within say an hour of Macon, that would be great. But, not the Monastery, I try buy as much of my stuff from them as possible. It's just they dont sell the sand/gravel I am looking for seperatley. Granted, they sell premixed soil, and Akadama. There are several sand suppliers and quarry's within a reasonable distance from my house. In talking with one of these places on the phone, I found that I was not able to describe in their terminology what I was looking for. Can anyone advise me on what to say to these guys when I am talking with them? I am even considering driving to one of these places with a bag of soil and screens to show them how big (or small) I need the sand gains to be. Thanks, in advance Jay Jimerson |
#2
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At 07:31 AM 11/4/2004 -0800, you wrote:
Hi, I am starting to make my own soil, using turface, pine bark, and sand. I have a bag of Turface, and the screened pine bark. However,I have not been able to locate any coarse sand at my local garden centers. This is a matter if semantics. If you will look for pea gravel in a size between 1/8 and 1/4 inch you will find the material that you need. ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#3
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What people call "sand", or even "coarse sand" can vary greatly. most of
us agree that something with granules in the neighborhood of 1/8" is about right for general use in bonsai. There are 2 good sources for this size "sand": masonary yards and pool supply stores. Masons use it in grout, and pool people as filter material. Once you've found a source, there is one more thing to watch for: composition of the material offered. Sometimes it is heavily dosed with lime, something acid-loving plants won't tolerate. Sometimes it is dosed with sulfur. Another problem for roots. Marty ----- Original Message ----- From: "jim" To: Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 12:38 PM Subject: [IBC] Help: locating coarse sand as a soil component ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#4
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I went to a gravel company nearby the river and got coarse sand from them.
I can't exactly remember what size but I'm thinking it was 15. My husband said 18 but I'm thinking it was more 15 or maybe 12. The added plus is that it is a pleasing shade of brown that matches with the soil components a lot better. It ran me about $1 for 100 lb.. You have to pay a handling charge of about $10. The more you buy the less the cost overall but it is HEAVY and I have yet to have gone through the 100 pounds. I have small trees though. They put it in bags but you'll want them in smaller bags if you don't want to carry a large bag. Also a tarp under it helps if the bags break. -- (`'·.¸(`'·.¸*¤*¸.·'´)¸.·'´) «´¨`·. *katie**¤ (¸.·'´(¸.·'´*¤*`'·.¸)`'·.¸) ¸.·´ »§«©»§« ( `·.¸ `·.¸ ) ¸.·)´ (.·´ `*. Hi, I am starting to make my own soil, using turface, pine bark, and sand. I have a bag of Turface, and the screened pine bark. However,I have not been able to locate any coarse sand at my local garden centers. I am here in Warner Robins, Georgia (Pretty much on the line between Zone's 7 and 8). So if anyone knows of a place within say an hour of Macon, that would be great. But, not the Monastery, I try buy as much of my stuff from them as possible. It's just they dont sell the sand/gravel I am looking for seperatley. Granted, they sell premixed soil, and Akadama. There are several sand suppliers and quarry's within a reasonable distance from my house. In talking with one of these places on the phone, I found that I was not able to describe in their terminology what I was looking for. Can anyone advise me on what to say to these guys when I am talking with them? I am even considering driving to one of these places with a bag of soil and screens to show them how big (or small) I need the sand gains to be. Thanks, in advance Jay Jimerson |
#5
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Jay: Ask them for blasting sand.
Alan Walker http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org -----Original Message----- From: jjpsych Hi, I am starting to make my own soil, using turface, pine bark, and sand. I have a bag of Turface, and the screened pine bark. However,I have not been able to locate any coarse sand at my local garden centers. I am here in Warner Robins, Georgia (Pretty much on the line between Zone's 7 and 8). So if anyone knows of a place within say an hour of Macon, that would be great. But, not the Monastery, I try buy as much of my stuff from them as possible. It's just they dont sell the sand/gravel I am looking for seperatley. Granted, they sell premixed soil, and Akadama. There are several sand suppliers and quarry's within a reasonable distance from my house. In talking with one of these places on the phone, I found that I was not able to describe in their terminology what I was looking for. Can anyone advise me on what to say to these guys when I am talking with them? I am even considering driving to one of these places with a bag of soil and screens to show them how big (or small) I need the sand gains to be. Thanks, in advance Jay Jimerson ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#6
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I tried that out here in California. What I can get is very fine. I buy aquarium sand from a gravel and sand company.
Kitsune Miko Alan Walker wrote: Jay: Ask them for blasting sand. Alan Walker http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org -----Original Message----- From: jjpsych Hi, I am starting to make my own soil, using turface, pine bark, and sand. I have a bag of Turface, and the screened pine bark. However,I have not been able to locate any coarse sand at my local garden centers. I am here in Warner Robins, Georgia (Pretty much on the line between Zone's 7 and 8). So if anyone knows of a place within say an hour of Macon, that would be great. But, not the Monastery, I try buy as much of my stuff from them as possible. It's just they dont sell the sand/gravel I am looking for seperatley. Granted, they sell premixed soil, and Akadama. There are several sand suppliers and quarry's within a reasonable distance from my house. In talking with one of these places on the phone, I found that I was not able to describe in their terminology what I was looking for. Can anyone advise me on what to say to these guys when I am talking with them? I am even considering driving to one of these places with a bag of soil and screens to show them how big (or small) I need the sand gains to be. Thanks, in advance Jay Jimerson ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ **** "Expectations are resentments under construction." Anne Lamott ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#7
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Walker" Subject: [IBC] Help: locating coarse sand as a soil component Jay: Ask them for blasting sand. Alan Walker -----Original Message----- I'd not suggest that. Blasting sand is the finest silica sand. Most swimming pool places carry a filter sand that is a fairly coarse/clean silica sand. Pretty good for the silica sand part of soil mix. If you can locate a good gravel yard nearby they might have a nice silica sand that is a little more coarse. That's where mine comes from. You can get it cheap by weight so bring some trash cans, but they usually sell it in bags also, which cost quite a bit more than bulk. Any kind of "soil product" is MUCH cheaper by the ton/yard price than bagged! I am even considering driving to one of these places with a bag of soil and screens to show them how big (or small) I need the sand gains to be. That's exactly what I'd do. That's how you source what you want. Which most people won't bother with. That's why bonsai soil is $30-60 a bag!! I'd sooner shot myself in the foot than pay that!! When the day comes that I can't mix up my own soil....It'll be time to drop out of bonsai :) Regards, Dale ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#8
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dalecochoy wrote:
snip That's why bonsai soil is $30-60 a bag!! I'd sooner shot myself in the foot than pay that!! When the day comes that I can't mix up my own soil....It'll be time to drop out of bonsai :) Regards, Dale I've been using a product from Quickrete called "Patio Paver Sand" which I found at Home Depot. A 50 lb. bag is something like $4 or so. It is a fine gravel used for putting under patio bricks. Sifting it out I lose maybe 25-30%. The remaining gravel has sharp edges (I know that's not established as a plus) and is a pleasing gray color. I think the stone is probably slate or basalt. I'd recommend it as a good, useful and inexpensive inorganic component fo bonsai soil to be used in conjunction with Turface. Craig Cowing NY Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37 Back safe on the east coast where the ocean is on the right side. ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#9
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Craig,
I've certainly seen that here in Ohio. I think it's also the same 'Snow traction" product the road dept uses in areas where they don't use salt ( or in bad winters when they run out of salt!). I always thought it was limestone but never really checked on it since I live near where they make haydite. Dale Cochoy, Wild Things Bonsai Studio, Hartville, Ohio http://www.WildThingsBonsai.Com Specializing in power wood carving tools. Yakimono no Kokoro bonsai pottery of hand-built stoneware ----- Original Message ----- From: "Craig Cowing" To: "dalecochoy" Cc: Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 11:07 AM Subject: [IBC] Help: locating coarse sand as a soil component dalecochoy wrote: snip That's why bonsai soil is $30-60 a bag!! I'd sooner shot myself in the foot than pay that!! When the day comes that I can't mix up my own soil....It'll be time to drop out of bonsai :) Regards, Dale I've been using a product from Quickrete called "Patio Paver Sand" which I found at Home Depot. A 50 lb. bag is something like $4 or so. It is a fine gravel used for putting under patio bricks. Sifting it out I lose maybe 25-30%. The remaining gravel has sharp edges (I know that's not established as a plus) and is a pleasing gray color. I think the stone is probably slate or basalt. I'd recommend it as a good, useful and inexpensive inorganic component fo bonsai soil to be used in conjunction with Turface. Craig Cowing NY Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37 Back safe on the east coast where the ocean is on the right side. ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#10
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dalecochoy wrote:
Craig, I've certainly seen that here in Ohio. I think it's also the same 'Snow traction" product the road dept uses in areas where they don't use salt ( or in bad winters when they run out of salt!). I always thought it was limestone but never really checked on it since I live near where they make haydite. Dale Cochoy, Wild Things Bonsai Studio, Hartville, Ohio Definitely not limestone. Basalt is my best guess. Very durable, cheap and looks great. Craig Cowing NY Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37 Back on the East Coast where the ocean is on the right side. ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#11
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dalecochoy wrote:
snip That's why bonsai soil is $30-60 a bag!! I'd sooner shot myself in the foot than pay that!! When the day comes that I can't mix up my own soil....It'll be time to drop out of bonsai :) Regards, Dale I've been using a product from Quickrete called "Patio Paver Sand" which I found at Home Depot. A 50 lb. bag is something like $4 or so. It is a fine gravel used for putting under patio bricks. Sifting it out I lose maybe 25-30%. The remaining gravel has sharp edges (I know that's not established as a plus) and is a pleasing gray color. I think the stone is probably slate or basalt. I'd recommend it as a good, useful and inexpensive inorganic component fo bonsai soil to be used in conjunction with Turface. Craig Cowing NY Zone 5b/6a Sunset 37 Back safe on the east coast where the ocean is on the right side. ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#12
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I tried that out here in California. What I can get is very fine. I buy aquarium sand from a gravel and sand company.
Kitsune Miko Alan Walker wrote: Jay: Ask them for blasting sand. Alan Walker http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org -----Original Message----- From: jjpsych Hi, I am starting to make my own soil, using turface, pine bark, and sand. I have a bag of Turface, and the screened pine bark. However,I have not been able to locate any coarse sand at my local garden centers. I am here in Warner Robins, Georgia (Pretty much on the line between Zone's 7 and 8). So if anyone knows of a place within say an hour of Macon, that would be great. But, not the Monastery, I try buy as much of my stuff from them as possible. It's just they dont sell the sand/gravel I am looking for seperatley. Granted, they sell premixed soil, and Akadama. There are several sand suppliers and quarry's within a reasonable distance from my house. In talking with one of these places on the phone, I found that I was not able to describe in their terminology what I was looking for. Can anyone advise me on what to say to these guys when I am talking with them? I am even considering driving to one of these places with a bag of soil and screens to show them how big (or small) I need the sand gains to be. Thanks, in advance Jay Jimerson ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ **** "Expectations are resentments under construction." Anne Lamott ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#13
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----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Walker" Subject: [IBC] Help: locating coarse sand as a soil component Jay: Ask them for blasting sand. Alan Walker -----Original Message----- I'd not suggest that. Blasting sand is the finest silica sand. Most swimming pool places carry a filter sand that is a fairly coarse/clean silica sand. Pretty good for the silica sand part of soil mix. If you can locate a good gravel yard nearby they might have a nice silica sand that is a little more coarse. That's where mine comes from. You can get it cheap by weight so bring some trash cans, but they usually sell it in bags also, which cost quite a bit more than bulk. Any kind of "soil product" is MUCH cheaper by the ton/yard price than bagged! I am even considering driving to one of these places with a bag of soil and screens to show them how big (or small) I need the sand gains to be. That's exactly what I'd do. That's how you source what you want. Which most people won't bother with. That's why bonsai soil is $30-60 a bag!! I'd sooner shot myself in the foot than pay that!! When the day comes that I can't mix up my own soil....It'll be time to drop out of bonsai :) Regards, Dale ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#14
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On 4 Nov 2004 at 18:48, Alan Walker wrote:
Jay: Ask them for blasting sand. Sand blasting sand comes in several grades, too. You will want the coarsest grade (hard to find unless you live in a town with many granite buildings that need cleaning). Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Nature encourages no looseness, pardons no errors. Ralph Waldo Emerson ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
#15
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True. But Jay's question was about what to ask for. Blasting sand
is a start. Otherwise, he needs to know WHAT grade of coarseness to ask for, and nobody seems to know or be volunteering what the standards are for coarseness (if there are such standards), e.g. #1, #2 or grade A, grade B. Alan Walker http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org -----Original Message----- From: Jim Lewis On 4 Nov 2004 at 18:48, Alan Walker wrote: Jay: Ask them for blasting sand. Sand blasting sand comes in several grades, too. You will want the coarsest grade (hard to find unless you live in a town with many granite buildings that need cleaning). Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Boon Manakitivipart++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
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