Clay Vs. Sandy Gardening Soil
Clay and sand, building blocks of soil composition, are both found in most soils. But for your plants to grow their best your soil will need the right balance of clay and sand. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Benefits and Dangers of Clay
-
Clay particles hold soil together, helping it to retain water and nutrients. Too much clay, though, and your soil won't drain and plants get swamped.
Benefits and Dangers of Sand
-
Arid, desert regions are known for their sand-heavy soil Sand loosens soil, allowing roots to burrow and grow. Too much sand and essential nutrients will wash away and the soil dries out.
-
Testing for Clay
-
Squeeze a small amount of moist soil in your hand. If it holds together instead of crumbling, it has a large percentage of clay.
Testing for Sand
-
Hold the soil in your palm and squeeze it into a ribbon between your fingers. If it feels fairly gritty, then the soil is sand-heavy.
Correcting Your Soil
-
Compost can help balance a soil that's too sandy or clay Luckily, soil balance is easy to adjust. Work in soil amendments such as compost, manure or even potting soil until you attain the right consistency.
Sand and Vegetables
-
Some plants like root vegetables need sandier soil. If you are planting carrots, onions or potatoes, work a little extra sand into the soil to help them grow.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Sharat Ganapati Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hamed Saber Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tim Parkinson
