What Exactly Is "sharp Sand"?

[Stargazer]

I am taking fuchsia cuttings and the instructions say to mix some sharp sand into potting compost. I know it is probably not essential but there is an argument about what exactly is sharp sand. ie is builders sand,
beach sand or fine sandpit sand classed as "sharp" sand? I have some builders sand in my garden but want to check before using it (as someone told me it was OK). I also have access to beach sand. Thanks for any advice.

[Clanad]

Bulilder's sand or shape sand is preferred by concrete sellers... it really has little to do with grain size or 'roundness' but rather with the original rocks from which it derives. Sharp sand was originally a silicate ground down over eons from quartz rocks, where as other sand may have originated from tropical beaches where its original form was reefs and other organic sources.

'Sand' has a particulate size range, depending on the actual end need. Additionally, it's usually been washed and has little silt or other very fine particles mixed in. It also has differing sizes of grains. Lastly, those who work with it say that it will run freely between your fingers if a handful is picked up...

[Clanad]

Hmmm... faulty keyboard, obviously... That's Builder's and sharp (not shape)...

[woofgang]

sharp sand is gritty rather than smooth. Its used to improve drainage. If you use builders sand, rinse it well to get rid of any impurities and chemicals. Beach sand will also need very thorough rinsing to remove the salt. It will vary in grittiness depending on where its from. If you are in the uk its illegal to remove it from beaches so don't get caught!!
Why don't you just buy a pack of seed and cutting compost?

[Stargazer]

Can I therefore use builders sand to mix with potting compost for delicate cuttings?

[woofgang]

rinse it and rinse it and rinse it until the water runs clear first....fuchsia cuttings aren't all that delicate. I do mine by stripping the lower leaves of semi hardwood shoots and putting them in a glass of water on the windowsill

[Old_Geezer]

I think it is just to improve drainage isn't it ? I'd doubt it makes much difference which sand you use.

[Old_Geezer]

That said you need to be sure it isn't mixed with something harmful. I dumped some, what looked like soil, from under my floorboards onto a border once. Took ages before anything would grow there again ! I guess it wasn't soil after all.

[Stargazer]

Thank you for all your advice. I have some builders sand in the garden actually which is why I asked the question. Someone asked me if I could take some cuttings of one of my fuchsias they admired but it is a bit late I think. I live in a very rural spot so popping out to get some seed and cutting compost isn't easy and I already have the compost hence the question. Still not absolutely sure, if I went to a Garden Centre and asked for some sharp sand, what it would be like.

[Frank97]

I've tried several methods over the years, ie water, gritted compost, mud and I've found the success rate to be pretty much the same. These days I prefer the glass of water on a windowsill method, as you can see when the roots have formed and then pot them up.
Just wish I could get my Fuchsia Firecracker to take, all attempts at that one have failed.

[woofgang]

its actually the right time for fuchsias. Sharp sand is like very fine grit.

[Chipchopper]

Different types of of sand vary greatly, even if they look pretty similar. Builders sand would not be appropriate for the job, as was mentioned, sand from the beach for example is likely to be highly saline and would be detrimental to many plants, apart maybe from those that grow on salt marsh.
To cut through a lot of this confusion, growing mediums where standardized back in the 1930's with the introduction of 'John Innes' compost, which made horticultural growing so much easier!
Here's the recommended formula -
JI number 1 = Sowing & rooting cuttings.
JI number 2 = Potting up & potting on.
JI number 3 = for final potting.

JI 1 contains the right balance of grit & loam for optimum success with fuchsea cuttings

[woofgang]

chip, you can use builders sand to improve soil drainage for cuttings, I have done it in the past, but all the rinsing first is a total faff