Question

Kevin53191

Active Member
Ok i was just wondering if a layer of sand over the top of my soil would hold in moisture long enough on the top layer so the roots will spread to the top of the soil and some of the sand. O yea only like a half inch of sand on top. Any thoughts on gravel?

All comments are welcome as long as there relevant to my question.
Thanks in advance
K5
 

Lil Tyke

Active Member
Why do you want the roots to spread to the top of the soil i presumed roots grew better down under the soil but maybe i'm wrong.
 

Kevin53191

Active Member
Because most of the roots grow down because the top layer of dirt is too dry and if the roots spread too the bottom instead of using those few inches of dirt at the top there is wasted space. And lots of roots equals a healthy plant.....it helps at least. I just wanna use all the soil i have and get the biggest root system i can possibly get.
K5
 

Woomeister

Well-Known Member
Because most of the roots grow down because the top layer of dirt is too dry and if the roots spread too the bottom instead of using those few inches of dirt at the top there is wasted space. And lots of roots equals a healthy plant.....it helps at least. I just wanna use all the soil i have and get the biggest root system i can possibly get.
K5
Sand at the top of your pots will not retain water, sand is used for drainage in normal gardening. perlite would be better. Your Theory is correct but flawed as if you are looking to maximise the usage of your pots the likelyhood is your pots will be too small, if they arent they wont need to use the top 1/5th of the pot.....imo!:joint:
 

caddyluck

Well-Known Member
use hydroton if anything, google useing hydroton in soil.it's best to keep roots away from light, gradually using bigger pots will give you big root system.
 

Kevin53191

Active Member
Ok i should have been more specific i know sand doesnt retain water i was asking if the sand would keep the soil below moist by stopping evaparation would it work? I know they say use some hydroton clay balls but i have alot of sand handy.
K5
 
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