What Type of Soil do I have?

Garden soil can differ greatly in terms of consistency, texture and nutrient content. By identifying and understanding the type of soil you have, you can then take steps (if any are needed) to create a more fertile growing medium that plants can thrive in.

The Different Soil Types

Clay Soil

Clay soils are typically heavy with high moisture content, and thus difficult to work with. They will change from being cold, wet and sticky in winter to baking hard in summer with a cracked surface.

How to amend: Clay soil is naturally high in nutrients, which will be released if drainage and aeration is improved with the addition of horticultural grit and organic matter.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soils are light and free draining, which unfortunately can mean nutrients wash or leach away in wet weather.

How to amend: Digging in organic matter or leaf mould will help to create a fertile, moisture-retaining soil structure.

Silt soils

Silt soils are more fertile and tend to have a light, grainy texture. They are moisture-retentive (good) but are prone to compaction and wind erosion (bad).

How to amend: by adding compost and organic matter to bind and stabilize the soil structure.

Loam Soil

Loam soils are considered to be the optimum soil type for gardening. They are a workable mixture of clay, sand and silt with a well-balanced nutrient content.

Is amendment necessary then? Technically no, but it is important not to be complacent about your soil. Avoid excessive digging or disruption to ensure that the structure remains healthy. You should still add organic material to replenish nutrients (and compensate for the yearly demands of vegetable cultivation).

Peat Soil

Peat soils are acidic, with very little nutrients and a high moisture content.

How to amend: When drained they can be made workable with the use of fertilizers. Lime or mushroom compost are alkaline and can be added to balance the nutrient content.

• Chalky soils can be light or heavy but are very alkaline. Ericaceous plants will not tolerate it but with the use of manure and fertilizers it is possible to grow a wide variety of plants. Improving the soil means making its texture and structure easier for roots to grow in while providing all the food a plant needs. By considering the nature of your soil even the poorest soil can be given new life.