Types of Soil for Plants

8 Aug 2019 Landscape Supplies

Getting to know the different types of soil for plants will help you choose the best soil for your particular garden. At Just Mulch, they understand how important it is to pair the right type of soil with the right plants. That is why they offer a wide range of soil and mulch products that are perfect for all kinds of gardens.

Clay Soil

Compared to other types of soil, clay soil offers poor drainage and has fewer air spaces, resulting in the soil feeling lumpy and sticky when wet and rock hard when dry; however, if the drainage for this type of soil is enhanced, plants will develop and grow well, feeding off of the clay soil’s nutrients. While clay soil is heavy to cultivate and will warm up slowly in the spring, this type of soil is ideal for fruit trees, perennials, shrubs, and certain crops.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil tends to feel gritty and drains easily, making it easy to cultivate. This type of soil will warm up quickly in the springtime, but holds fewer nutrients than other types of soil, as the nutrients are easily washed away with heavy rainfall. Sandy soil requires organic amendments, such as fertilizer, and can benefit from mulching to help retain moisture.

Silty Soil

Silty soil is easy to cultivate, holds moisture well, and tends to be very rich in nutrients. While composted organic matter is often needed to help improve drainage, structure, and nutrients to this type of soil, silty soil is a great option for gardens containing shrubs, climbers, grasses, and perennials.

Peaty Soil

Peaty soil is darker in colour and tends to feel damp and spongy due to its higher levels of peat. Since peaty soil can retain a lot of water, you may need to dig drainage channels for this type of soil. When mixed with rich organic matter, compost, and lime to reduce the soil’s natural acidity, peaty soil can be a great option for encouraging healthy plant growth.

Chalky Soil

Compared to other types of soil, chalky soil tends to be larger grained and stonier, making it free draining. Since this type of soil is alkaline in nature, using the appropriate fertilizers and balancing the pH can help prevent stunted plant growth and yellowish leaves. Humus can also be added to help improve water retention and overall workability.

Loamy Soil

Loamy soil is made up of a mix of sand, silt, and clay, making it the perfect soil for gardening, lawns, and shrubs. This type of soil has a great structure, offers adequate drainage, can easily retain moisture, is full of nutrients, and can be easily cultivated; however, this type of soil needs to be regularly replenished with organic matter.

If you would like to learn more about the different types of soil for plants, or if you are interested in one of their soil and mulch products, please contact the experts from Just Mulch today by calling 236-98-MULCH or by filling out a contact form on their website.