How Flowers Grow in Different Types of Soils

All soil is made up of the same three basic components.

All soil is made of three basic components: clay, sand and organic material. Soil that is high in any one particular component is said to be that type of soil. Flowers grow differently in each soil type.

Significance

All soil is made of either rock or organic particles. The size of these particles determines the soil structure. Soil that has large particles that are loosely packed are sandy soils. Soil made of tiny, close-packed particles with little air flow are clay particles. Loamy soil has a high organic content and a wide range of particle sizes.

Characteristics

Because of their particle size, sandy soils are aerated and drain quickly, but do not have nutrients that plants need to thrive. Clay soils have these nutrients, but have poor aeration and are often waterlogged. Loamy soils combine the nutrients and water retention of clay soil with the aeration and improved drainage of sandy soils.

Benefits

In loamy soils, flowers will thrive due to good root development, adequate water and access to nutrients. The plants may suffer root rot or stunted roots in clay soil. In sandy soil, flowers may wilt from lack of water or remain small due to lack of nutrients.

References

• Ohio State Universitiy Extension; Improving Soils for Vegetable Gardening; Marianne Riofrio, et al.
• Colorado State University Extension; Choosing a Soil Amendment; J.G. Davis, et al.; May 2005
• Washington State University Extension; Soil Types & Tests; Catherine Chaplin; April 2010

Resources

• Extension: Soils and Composting: Soil Type