Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

What is the best type of sand to use in soil mixtures for container grown plants?

1. A. Beach

2. B. Fine-textured

3. C. Coarse textured

4. D. White, fine-textured

The correct answer is: C. Coarse textured

The best type of sand to use in soil mixtures for container-grown plants is coarse-textured sand. Coarse-textured sand improves drainage and aeration in the soil, which are critical factors for the health of container plants. Proper drainage prevents water from pooling at the bottom of pots, reducing the risk of root rot and other moisture-related complications. Additionally, coarse sand allows for better airflow around the plant roots, facilitating oxygen uptake and promoting healthy root development. Using beach sand, fine-textured sand, or fine-textured white sand is not ideal for container mixes. Beach sand may contain salts and other chemicals harmful to plants, while fine-textured sand can lead to compaction in the soil mixture, hindering drainage and root growth. Therefore, coarse-textured sand is the preferred choice for creating an optimal growing environment for container plants.