There are typically 6 main types of soils you will come across:
- Sandy,
- Loamy
- Clay and
- Silt
- Peaty
- Chalky
The first 4 can further break down by the % of one vs. the other. See diagram below:
Each has its pros and cons and can be great for various plants.
Clay soil:
Clay soil will clump together. It has poor drainage but is good for many evergreens like asters, shrubs, and even some vegetables.
Characteristics: Heavy, dense, and slow-draining; rich in nutrients but poor aeration.
Benefits: Retains moisture well; nutrient-dense.
Drawbacks: Can become waterlogged and compacted; challenging to work with.
Sandy Soil
Usually, Sandy Soil is the loose soil that does not hold together in your hand which means it is quick to dry out and takes its nutritional value with them. Tulips do well in sandy soils much like rooted vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
Characteristics: Light, gritty, and drains quickly; low in nutrients.
Benefits: Easy to work with; warms up quickly in spring.
Drawbacks: Poor water retention; nutrients leach away quickly.
Silty Soil
Silty soil is soft, soapy, and can be easily compacted, making it ideal for grasses and moisture-loving trees like Willows, and shrubs. You can improve the drainage with the organic matter also.
Characteristics: Smooth, fine particles; holds moisture well but drains poorly.
Benefits: Fertile and retains nutrients well.
Drawbacks: Can become compacted easily; prone to erosion.
Loamy Soil
Loamy Soil is often regarded as the best soil type for gardeners as it blends the defining characteristics of all the other soil types making it fine in texture, damp enough, and with good structure.
Characteristics: Balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay; ideal texture and fertility.
Benefits: Excellent drainage and moisture retention; nutrient-rich.
Drawbacks: Requires regular organic matter addition to maintain structure.
Peaty Soil
Peaty Soil is spongy and darker in colour. It’s good for growing vegetables and will keep shrubs like rhododendron and camellia happy too.
Characteristics: Dark, rich in organic matter; acidic and spongy.
Benefits: Good water retention; high organic content.
Drawbacks: Acidic nature may require pH adjustment; can be low in nutrients.
Chalky Soil
This is a fairly shallow and Stoney type of soil that is calcium-rich which makes it high in Ph (7.1 – 8). It’s good for trees, shrubs, and many bulbs. Vegetables such as spinach and cabbage will also do well.
Characteristics: Alkaline, stony, and free-draining; often shallow and nutrient-poor.
Benefits: Good drainage; warms up quickly.
Drawbacks: High pH can limit nutrient availability; prone to dryness.
Most of you will notice when you purchase plants, that they have a soil pH level that it prefers, try matching this to create the best soil for your needs.
Understanding Soil pH Levels
Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, affecting nutrient availability and plant health. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with acidic soils having a pH below 7, neutral soils at pH 7, and alkaline soils above 7. Acidic soils (pH 4.5-6.5) are suitable for acid-loving plants like blueberries and many vegetables. Neutral soils support most plants, providing balanced nutrient availability. Alkaline soils (pH 7-9) are suitable for plants like brassicas but may require pH adjustments for other crops. Adjusting soil pH involves adding sulfur or peat moss to lower it and lime or wood ash to raise it. Regular soil testing and amendments help maintain optimal pH levels for healthy plant growth.
Commercial Gardening Services You Can Trust
Mathiou Services provide expert landscaping and maintenance services, ensuring your commercial spaces remain aesthetically pleasing and functional. Our experienced team uses high-quality materials and modern techniques to create and maintain vibrant, sustainable landscapes that leave a lasting impression on clients, employees, and visitors. Click the button below to get in touch.
