Types of Soil: The Importance of Understanding Soil in the Garden

This is very important, for instance azaleas love acidClay soil can be great on one hand but a nuisance on
soil and if you plant it in any other type of soil you willthe other. It is great for holding nutrients and water but
only be disappointed.is awful in extreme weather conditions. For instance
Acid Soilduring a dry hot summer the clay soil will resemble to
Acid soil is loved by such plants as Azaleas andpot fired in an oven. Whilst during heavy rain the soil
Camellias. However it you have decided you don'tbecomes water-logged. Some plants to choose from
want to grow these plants and would prefer to growcan include roses and elder.
lime-loving plants instead, simply add lime to the soil. IfSandy Soil
instead you have lime soil and would like acid soil, thisSandy soil is great for gardeners because most plants
process is no where near as easy because youthrive and it is easy to dig. The only draw-back is that
probably have lime rocks under the soil. Instead you willwater and fertilizer drains through very quickly so to
have to build a raised bed.help avoid this problem, dig in some compost or
Chalk/Alkaline Soilmanure
Many people will tell you that acid soil is best, howeverNow you understand what about the different soils,
if you have chalk or alkaline soil then you can still growyou will need to find out what type you have. You
plenty of different plants as long as you know what tohave the option of buying a soil-testing kit from a
look for. Amongst the best choices are birch,garden supply shop or you could simply look at what
hawthorn, clematis, buddleia, lilac, roses, bamboo,plants are growing next door. When you have
magnolia and honesty.identified the plants, check to see what soil they prefer
Clay Soilvia a gardening book or the internet.