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Soil

Soil is probably the most fundamental aspect of any garden. Healthy soil that is replenished naturally will grow healthy food stuffs year after year. It’s the key to everything when growing healthy plants and flowers.

Types of soil

Clay See more
Clay soils are too wet or too dry, slow to drain, slow to warm in the spring, making it difficult for plant roots to grow. It is made up of very fine mineral particles and they easily compact.
Sandy See more
Sand has a lower moisture and nutrient holding capacity, so it must be watered more frequently and fertilized more often. It has a subject to wind and water erosion, and warms up quickly.
Loamy See more
Loam is an ideal soil composed of sand, silt, clay and organic matter. It retains nutrients and water while allowing excess water to train away. Loam feels soft and crumbly and is easy to work over a wide range of moisture conditions.

Ways to test soil

1. Water Test noun_1776266_cc Created with Sketch. noun_line_1776294 Created with Sketch.
  • Dig a hole about 1 foot deep and wide.
  • Fill with water
  • Let drain then refil.
  • If water drains:
  • Faster than 4 in per hour
    Sandy
  • 2 in per hour
    Clay
  • Less than 1 in per hour
    Loamy
2. Squeeze Test noun_1776266_cc Created with Sketch. noun_line_1776294 Created with Sketch.
  • Compress a fistful of damp soil.
  • If soil feels:
  • Sticky, slick, remains intact
    Clay
  • Gritty, crumbles apart
    Sandy
  • Smooth, holds shape for short period of time
    Loamy
3. Settle Test noun_1776266_cc Created with Sketch. noun_line_1776294 Created with Sketch.
  • Place handful of garden soil into a clear container.
  • Add water, shake well.
  • Set aside for 12 hours.
  • If water is:
  • Cloudy with layer of particles at bottom
    Clay
  • Mostly clear and layer of uniform soil particles at bottom
    Sandy
  • Clear with layered particles at bottom with finest particles at top
    Loamy

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