Believe it or not, the dirt in your garden influences your garden! Dirt varies by region and determines what type of plants can grow. The soil provides proper water and nutrients. Plants need to have the correct soil to ensure it can thrive.
Each soil has its own characteristics that can be identified, below are the six soil types:
Chalky Soil
Chalky soil is different from other soils due to its high alkaline levels. It’s easy to work with and has great drainage. This mostly benefits plants that benefit from alkaline soil. It may cause stunted growth for plants that need acidic soil.
Lilacs, spinach, wildflowers, and apple trees are some plants that can grow in this soil.
Clay Soil
Clay soil is tricky to work with: it clumps and doesn’t dig well. Don’t feel discouraged, you can make accommodations to help the drainage. By doing so, it provides plenty of nutrients for your plants.
Aster, daylilies, beans, and cauliflower are some plants that can grow in this soil.
Loamy Soil
Loamy soil is made up of three components: clay, sand, and silt. This is one of the best soil types! It retains moisture and nutrients while having good drainage. It also provides adequate space for root growth.
Lettuce, lavender, tomatoes, and rosemary are some plants that can grow in this soil.
Peaty Soil
Peaty soil is made up of decomposed organic material with minimal harmful bacteria. It doesn't compact, which retains moisture and lets the roots breathe. If you mix it with compost, it can help with plant growth!
Beets, carrots, witch hazel, and cabbage are some plants that can grow in this soil.
Sandy Soil
Sandy soil isn’t the most nutritious, but it has its benefits! It doesn’t compact and provides space for roots. Overwatering and root rot aren’t problems as a result. You can improve the soil by adding compost or mulch.
Strawberries, potatoes, lettuce, and corn are some plants that can grow in this soil.
Silty Soil
Silty soil is another great soil type! The benefits include high levels of moisture, nutrients, and good drainage. It’s easy for this soil to get washed away by rain because of its granular size.
Three sisters garden, onion, roses, and daffodils are some plants that can grow in this soil.
Each soil type may need bio fertilizers to help with moisture retention and nutrient availability. SaferGro offers many products to nurture your soil! If you need to nourish your plants with nutrients, you can use Humax®, Penex®, Phosgard® 0-28-25, and our Biomin® line. It can be applied to the soil and helps with moisture retention. These products work for any soil type, but there will be variations among each type. Gardens with sandy soil will see the best results from SaferGro’s products!
Don’t feel limited by your region’s soil! By using raised beds, planters, or adjusting the pH levels, there are no restrictions with gardening. Gardening is a trial-and-error process, you’ll get the hang of it once you can identify each soil type.
