Glass Jar Garden

Soils and layers

Black sand as drawn in the simulator

Black sand

Fine black sand that makes paths and contrast pop.

What the simulation uses

Holds water
23 % by volume
Water it keeps after draining; the rest runs down to the drainage.
Pore space
38.5 % by volume
Room for air and water between grains; low means roots suffocate when wet.
Weight
1550 g/L
How heavy a litre is.
pH
6.8 to 7.2 pH
How acid it keeps the soil.
Mould risk
none
How much fresh food it gives white mould; high-risk soils fuzz over in the first weeks.
Nutrients
low
Plant food it brings.
Presses down to
88 % of its loose depth
How far pressing can pack it, keeping its weight.

Description

Fine black sand that makes paths and contrast pop. It holds a little water and changes nothing about the soil.

Also called black aquarium sand.

Estimated, where sources were thin: values estimated from hobby and horticultural references; not measured.

Grow it in a jar