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Sand can be a useful component in a garden soil mix, but it is not always necessary or desirable. The addition of sand can improve drainage and aeration in heavy, clay soils, but if the soil is already well-draining, adding sand can create problems by increasing the soil's alkalinity and reducing its ability to hold moisture and nutrients.

You should be able to grab a handful, squeeze it and it should be able hold its shape. If it crumbles too easily then there is too much sand. If it does not crumble at all then sand would be a favorable addition.

Poly Pagan 2y ago

So, the dirt I have has been sitting in buckets all winter in my covered porch and I just went out to do the hand squeeze test and the dirt just fell right apart of the most part. Very dry. I would think during summer it would hold a little better as it would be exposed to regular rain, but it is not clay AT ALL

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Discussion

DLDUB 2y ago

Sorry I should of mentioned you would want to moisten it a bit to do the hand squeeze test. There is also a technique where you pinch it with your thumb and index finger you could probably find online. Either way, moisten the soil and compress it and it should hold together a bit but fall apart with a little pressure.