3 replies to this topic

[Runner12]

I've noticed a couple people mention that they mix clay with their sand to improve water retention and structural stability. Just wondering what people are using and where to buy it?

I've heard of bentonite being used but I don't know where to get it.

[Foogoo]

I think dspdrew did something similar right? Bentonite is a fat clay (kitty litter) and although I haven't tried, I wouldn't recommend it as it will expand (then shrink when dry) and become rock hard. I just use "dirt" around the neighborhood after screening and baking it to sterilize it. Most residential fills are a mixture of sand/silt/clay (though not all) and that's worked fine in my dirt boxes.

 

Get a large pinch of dirt and add a few drops of water and massage it around. What's loose and runs off is sand/silt. What remains on your skin is fine sand/silt. What clumps together and can be rolled into a ball is clay. 

[Runner12]

Yeah I've read of a couple people using powdered clay to mix with sand, or just dirt and having decent results.

The only dirt around here is ugly red stuff that smears all over the glass even if only a little is mixed in, I'm looking for something that's functional in terms of hydration and a bit more aesthetically pleasing I guess lol.

[Foogoo]

Yeah I've read of a couple people using powdered clay to mix with sand, or just dirt and having decent results.

The only dirt around here is ugly red stuff that smears all over the glass even if only a little is mixed in, I'm looking for something that's functional in terms of hydration and a bit more aesthetically pleasing I guess lol.

 

Ah, I guess I happen to have it good for once for living in an urban area that's almost all structural fill. I can't comment on mixing bentonite since I haven't tried. If you do, I'd make sure to grind it up it pretty fine first. Looks like you can get it on Amazon, though most cheap kitty litters or floor absorbent is pure bentonite.