SOIL TYPE

What is the best soil type to grow almost all gardens in you ask?

 The answer...
Medium Loam!

   Medium loam has a fine crumbly texture. It retains water well with out becoming waterlogged and contains a balance of nutrients, making it the best soil for growing in.

One thing to remember is that soil texture is determined by the size of the soil particles.

    The two extremes are sand (large particles) and clay (small particles).   Sandy soil does not retain water well and is not very fertile.   Clay soil is moisture-retentive, drains slowly and is harder to work but usually is very fertile.    A good mixture of both types is the best to grow in, making it fertile and balanced. this is a Medium loam.

Garden soils usually consist of three layers-

  Layer one is the Topsoil - It is often dark, rich brown in color, has high levels of organic matter and is full of both large and small soil organisms.

  Layer two is the Subsoil - It is lighter in color, lower in organic matter and has fewer organisms.

  Layer three is Bedrock - which is the bottom rocky and/or hard soil.

Finding Your Soil Type

   There are a few ways you can find out the type of soil you have in your garden beds. You can purchase a "Soil Test kit" from your local garden center or you can do what is called the Jar Test, which is free.

   The Jar Test is what we will use here.   All you will need is a small trowel, a clear quart jar with lid, dishwashing detergant and 2 cups of water.
   The first step is to dig down about 4 inches in the soil you want to test and put 1/4 cup of that soil into the jar.   Add the 2 cups water and a couple drops of detergant.    Place the lid on and shake the jar for 20 seconds to mix the contents.   Now just set it aside so the contents can settle. (this could take as long as 24 hours so be patient).
   After the water has cleared up you will be able to see the different layers that have formed.    Under a bright light look at the layers. The course sand particles will settle on the bottom, silt is the next layer up and the last layer is clay (some of which may still be floating in the water and can be yellow-brown, red or tan.)
Now here's how to read your soil type.

  • Sand: If over half of the total is sand you have a light, sandy soil .


  • Silt: If over half of the total is silt with out much clay your soil is a heavy silt.


  • Clay: If one-fouth of the total is clay and you have a fair amount of silt you have a clay soil.


  • Loam: Two-fifths sand, two-fifths silt and a narrow band of clay means that you have a loam soil.


    •    Remember, loam is the ideal soil for your gardening needs. It has the right combinations to grow healthy, happy plants.
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