Question
Hi Charlotte,

My problem is sand.  Lots of it.  I live in West Michigan and bought a house that sits pretty much on top of a sand dune.  My soil ranges from light (very light) gravel/sand to vains of fine granular sand.  I've been offered as much horse manure as I want or I could get as much cow manure as I want.  I would like to develope a lawn and thought that mixing the manure with the sand would be give me a pretty fair base to start with.  I guess my question is would this be a logical way to go?  If so, which should I use cow or horse manure?  Does it matter?  I know I'll be fighting weeds for a couple of years but I don't mind that if I can get grass to grow on a sand dune.  Thanks in advance.
Mike

Answer
Hi Mike;
I got an answer.
I was told to condition sandy soil just like we condition clay soil, but to also include lava sand. that is very important. Lava sand is chock full of nutrients. You know, if there is clay soil anywhere in the area I could get some of, i would add some of that, to firm up the soil a little.
Add the amount of lava sand recommended on the bag.
If calcium is low, which it probably is, add high calcium lime.
I would mix 1 part cedar bark mulch, 1 part humus, 1 part peat moss, and 2 parts loam soil.
Mix that with one part existing soil.
Hope that helps you some, and hope you create a little eden on your sand dune.
Charlotte



Hi mike.
You've got me.
I am on Howard Garrett's ground crew, so I posted the question in the forum there.
When I get an answer, I will get back to you.
It may take a few days, so don't give p.
I know when adding manures, you add only well rotted manure, not fresh, or you can create more problems than you want to deal with.
I will come back and add to this post when I can find out something that will help you.
Charlotte