MYTH: Add sand to clay soil to improve its texture

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

THE FACTS

This myth may stem from the fact that if clay is the smallest soil particle (leading to poor drainage) and sand is the largest soil particle (leading to fast drainage), mixing the two will create a well-drained soil.

BUT

• When sand and a clay soil are mixed together, the large pore spaces of the sandy soil are filled with the smaller clay particles, creating a HEAVIER, DENSER soil
   
• To significantly change (not improve) the texture of clay soils, half the existing clay soil would need to be REMOVED and REPLACED with an equal volume of sand – an expensive, intrusive, and labour-intensive undertaking!

ORGANIC MULCH TO THE RESCUE!

One of the least invasive and most cost-effective ways to improve soil structure in clay is by the use of organic mulches.

• MULCH clay soil with COMPOST and/or a deep layer of WOODCHIPS  

Not sure of the TEXTURE of your own garden soil? See References for a link to an easy, do-it-yourself jar test.

Sources:
UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
https://gardening.usask.ca/articles-and-lists/articles-healthysoils/no-adding-sand-to-clay-soils.php

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/soil-amendments-2.pdf

SOIL TEXTURE ANALYSIS (Jar Test)
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/soil-texture-analysis-the-jar-test/