Types of Garden Soil: Acid, Clay, Sand, Chalk, Alkaline

by

George Kerr

What types of plants you buy for you garden will depend greatly on the type of soil you have. Each variety of plant has different needs some will do well in most soils you provide whilst others will demand only certain soils if you want to see lush foliage and pretty flowers.

Acid Soil

If you have acid soil but want to grow lime-loving plants, you can simply add lime to it. If on the other hand if you have lime soil and want to grow acid-loving plants such as azaleas, then this is most likely impossible if you have chalk or limestone rocks beneath. In such circumstances you will need to build a raised bed.

Chalk/Alkaline Soil

Many people will tell you that acid soil is best, however if you have chalk or alkaline soil then you can still grow plenty of different plants as long as you know what to look for. Amongst the best choices are birch, hawthorn, clematis, buddleia, lilac, roses, bamboo, magnolia and honesty.

Clay Soil

Clay soil can be great on one hand but a nuisance on the other. It is great for holding nutrients and water but is awful in extreme weather conditions. For instance during a dry hot summer the clay soil will resemble to pot fired in an oven. Whilst during heavy rain the soil becomes water-logged. Some plants to choose from can include roses and elder.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil is great for gardeners because most plants thrive and it is easy to dig. The only draw-back is that water and fertilizer drains through very quickly so to help avoid this problem, dig in some compost or manure.

Now you understand what about the different soils, you will need to find out what type you have. You have the option of buying a soil-testing kit from a garden supply shop or you could simply look at what plants are growing next door. When you have identified the plants, check to see what soil they prefer via a gardening book or the internet.

George Kerr is a keen garden and DIY enthusiast who writes for website Finer Living which has further reading on

garden soil

,

rubber mulch

and other garden related things.

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