River Sand or Play Sand?

I need to buy some sand in bags for a few bulb varieties that like a lot of sand. I distinctly remember someone on some thread on some forum (which I cannot locate now that I need it, of course) saying something negative about river sand; although I cannot remember what they said either. I think it was something to do with pathogens or fungus.

I know I'm just a wealth of hints and information here.

I was thinking maybe play sand but I also doubt very much is that is sterile either. And I kind of feel that it might turn into concrete (not a good option).

Any opinions or experience on sand in a bag? You would think living 60 miles from the Gulf of Mexico that sand would be easy to get, but that sand has quite a high salt content. Not many rivers flowing through the immediate area either. Our local soil is heavy on the clay side (very heavy on the clay side and drains poorly unless much enriched with humus); so that's not an option either.

I'm not a "sand expert," but play sand is the kind one would buy to use in a sand box for one's children . . . thus, it has to be pretty non-toxic, even-grained, and not a sand that will clump. Depending on where it is obtained, I believe it has been washed before being packaged.

Here in Minnesota places such as Home Depot sell play sand for all sorts of yard and garden purposes, from amending soil for gardens - the purpose for which you want it - to setting pavers in a patio to filling a child's sand box. It can be tamped for patio purposes and still retain its ability to drain quickly - which is what you need for those bulbs that like sand.

So, I would recommend play sand if you want something that is about as free from clay and toxins as you can get it. It's what I buy when I need sand for my yard or gardens.

Jeannine

Thanks Jeannine!

I have always used play sand. It is nontoxic to children and my plants have suffered no ill effects. The best price I have found is Lowes at $3 and some change for a 50 # sack. Lowes also has washed gravel in 50# sacks at a good price if you use it on the topsoil of succulents. You won't find these in the garden center at this price tho. Look over where the concrete, sackrete, etc is... Probably some of the other builders supplies stock the same.