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There are different types of soil, including clay, sand and loam. Clay is thick and holds water well, but does not drain easily. Sand drains easily, but does not retain water. Loam is a mixture of organic matter, silt, sand and clay. This moist soil drains well and is rich in nutrients.
According to "Burpee Complete Gardener" a simple test involves squeezing a handful of soil and then tapping it with your finger. If the soil is sticky and won't fall apart, the soil is mostly clay. If the soil is gritty and won't form a ball, it is mostly sand. If it forms a ball and then crumbles when lightly tapped, it is mostly loam. -
The pH level of the soil is determined by how acidic or alkaline the soil is. Some plants can grow in any type of pH level, while others can thrive in one pH level only.
This can be determined by taking a sample of soil to a county extension agent. You can also purchase a soil testing kit at a local garden center. These kits generally are simple to use and easy to read.
Once you know the soil's pH, you can amend it by adding hydrated lime to increase the alkaline level in the soil or sulfur to increase the acidity level in the soil. Garden Helper has a chart for the proper amount of sulfur or lime to add to different soils. -
No matter what type of garden soil, it can always be improved by the addition of organic matter, including decayed leaves, rotted manure or compost. According to "Burpee Complete Gardener" composting is the best source of organic matter. It is simple to begin a compost, using fruit and vegetable scraps as well as yard scraps, and can be started at any time of year. Compost Gardening has suggestions for composting.
Compost can be added to the soil several weeks before planting, to allow time for it to break down and release the nutrients and humus into the soil. Gardener's Net identifies humus as, "Soil containing a rich mixture of decomposed plant or animal matter. It is rich in minerals and nutrients vital to your plants' growth and development
