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What on earth is my soil type?
A brief introduction
It will not surprise you to know that soil is the most important thing in gardening. So, understanding a little about it, being able to identify your own soil and learning to work with your conditions is really useful.
The ideal soil has a mixture of mineral (or inorganic) content and organic content (eg rotting leaves on the top surface). These elements have different particle sizes, and it is the gaps between these particles that allows water and air (the other key components of good soil and plant health) to circulate.
Particle sizes of different elements
The more large particles a soil contains, the more it drains. (This is referred to as a 'light, free-draining' soil).
The more small particles a soil contains, the more water it retains (referred to as a 'heavy' or 'moisture-retentive' soil. Clay (which even the lay-person generally thinks of as a heavy soil) has flatter particles that can compress together, reducing the space for air and water to percolate. If you have a clay soil you should avoid walking on it during wet weather for this reason.
The more small particles a soil contains, the more water it retains (referred to as a 'heavy' or 'moisture-retentive' soil. Clay (which even the lay-person generally thinks of as a heavy soil) has flatter particles that can compress together, reducing the space for air and water to percolate. If you have a clay soil you should avoid walking on it during wet weather for this reason.
How to test your soil - part 1
1. Fill a large, lidded glass jar about halfway with your soil sample, ensuring there are no large lumps.
2. Fill the remaining part with tap water, leaving 1cm of air.
3. Screw on the lid and shake the jar vigorously until the soil has mixed with the water as much as possible.
4. Leave the jar to rest for 24 hours.
5. The jar's contents will settle into distinct layers of clay, silt and sand.
2. Fill the remaining part with tap water, leaving 1cm of air.
3. Screw on the lid and shake the jar vigorously until the soil has mixed with the water as much as possible.
4. Leave the jar to rest for 24 hours.
5. The jar's contents will settle into distinct layers of clay, silt and sand.
How to test your soil - part 2
The relative proportions of the layers of clay, silt and sand will tell you what kind of soil you have.
A sandy soil (mostly sand) is dry and free draining. Plants often wilt in summer and need constant watering during dry periods. Ground can be dug, even during winter.
A loamy soil (equal ratios of sand/silt/clay) stays moist but is free draining. Plants only need extra water during extended periods of dry weather. The ground is damp in winter but rarely waterlogged.
A clay soil (mostly clay) is moisture retentive and heavy to dig. Cracks can appear during very dry spells and the ground becomes hard to dig. In winter it is too wet to walk on. It sticks to your boots & tools.
You will find the soil conditions outlined with each plant description on the tendril & leaf product pages.
Your soil type can be improved, particularly with the addition of organic matter (ie: compost), but it is always easier to grow plants that enjoy the conditions you already have.
A sandy soil (mostly sand) is dry and free draining. Plants often wilt in summer and need constant watering during dry periods. Ground can be dug, even during winter.
A loamy soil (equal ratios of sand/silt/clay) stays moist but is free draining. Plants only need extra water during extended periods of dry weather. The ground is damp in winter but rarely waterlogged.
A clay soil (mostly clay) is moisture retentive and heavy to dig. Cracks can appear during very dry spells and the ground becomes hard to dig. In winter it is too wet to walk on. It sticks to your boots & tools.
You will find the soil conditions outlined with each plant description on the tendril & leaf product pages.
Your soil type can be improved, particularly with the addition of organic matter (ie: compost), but it is always easier to grow plants that enjoy the conditions you already have.
Organic matter
Organic matter is dead plant material that is no longer recognisable in its original form. Typically leaves, grass clippings and vegetable peelings. Good organic matter is crumbly, a darkish colour, light in weight and has no unpleasant smell. Although it makes up 5% of that 'ideal' soil, it is very important.
For sandy soils: it holds water and nutrients, making it available to plants. It also binds the sandy particles together, reducing wind and water erosion.
For clay soils: the spaces between its large particles retain air, and allow water to drain through, this creates an excellent balance when mixed with the small compacted particles of clay.
For sandy soils: it holds water and nutrients, making it available to plants. It also binds the sandy particles together, reducing wind and water erosion.
For clay soils: the spaces between its large particles retain air, and allow water to drain through, this creates an excellent balance when mixed with the small compacted particles of clay.
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