How to Replace Peat Moss With Sand

All sand isn't created equal; use a coarse sand for proper drainage.

Peat moss has long been used as an acceptable and beneficial organic amendment for clay soils. It is also the ideal amendment for lowering the pH and creating a more acidic soil for various types of plants. Sand, on the other hand, may seem like an excellent soil amendment due to its high availability and low cost, but it comes with a set of problems when used as a soil amendment. To amend the soil with sand, you need to get enough sand to make the soil at least 80-percent sand and 20-percent regular soil. Weigh your options before changing from peat to sand.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Mesh (chicken wire or similar)
• Tarp
• Coarse sand

Instructions

1. Dig up the soil to be amended at a depth of at least 18 inches.

2. Strain the soil over a tarp through mesh or another material to separate the soil and peat. Peat is fibrous and often string like; straining the smaller bits of even clay soil can help you dig out the slow-decomposing peat moss.

3. Mix the coarse sand with the soil on the tarp thoroughly, making a ratio of 4:1, which is 80 percent soil and 20 percent sand.

4. Replace the soil in your growing areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Peat moss is slow to decompose, however, you should try to wait until it is decomposed as separating the peat from your soil is a difficult, messy and time-consuming process.

References

• Cornell University: Dealing with Soil Compaction
• North Dakota State University Extension Service: Questions on Soil