Every day is a great day to think about ways to spruce up your outdoor space with plantings. But it’s especially gratifying in the middle of the winter to fast-forward to spring–at least in your imagination–as you consider new plantings. As you begin to contemplate various plantings, make sure and take time considering what soil to use. Matching the best soil with your plantings is mission critical but not always easy. Fortunately, there’s a plant nursery in the Hudson Valley and Rockland County, NY areas that can help you make the right choice.
Related: WHY GETTING YOUR PLANTS AT A GARDEN NURSERY NEAR ME IS THE BEST DECISION IN HUDSON VALLEY, NY
There are three primary categories of soil: sand, clay, and silt. Each has advantages as well as disadvantages, depending on the plantings. A plant nursery can be a helpful resource for understanding specific plantings along with their physical and chemical properties, correct acidity levels, temperature requirements, and drainage capabilities. Here’s an overview of each soil type.
Sand
Sand is made up of small, coarse particles. It has a gritty texture and doesn’t hold moisture well. Sand is well-draining, but it also tends to be low in nutrients and organic matter. It’s often used in conjunction with other types of soil to improve drainage. Plantings that typically do well in sand are succulents like cacti, sedum, lamb's ears, purple coneflower, and lavender.
Clay
Clay is made up of very fine particles. It has a smooth, sticky texture and tends to hold moisture well. But at the same time, clay can be difficult to work with, as it can become hard and compact when dry and can be hard to till. It’s also low in nutrients and organic matter. Plantings that do well in clay include: aster, daylily, black-eyed susans, and hosta.
Silt
Silt is made up of medium-sized, dust-like particles that are larger than clay but smaller than sand. Silt has a smooth, silky texture and holds moisture well. Silt is generally considered to be a good soil type, as it has good water-holding capacity and drains well. It’s usually high in nutrients, making it well-suited for growing a variety of plants. Moisture-loving trees, including dogwood and birch, do well with silt as do many vegetables and fruits.
Loam
Loam is considered to be the ideal soil for growing most plants. It is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and has a crumbly, soil-like texture. Loam is well-draining, but also holds moisture and nutrients well. It’s high in organic matter and has a balanced pH level, making it ideal for growing a wide range of plants, including perennials, shrubs, and many vegetables as well.
Overall, the type of soil you choose for your plantings will depend on the specific needs of the plants you’re growing, as well as the conditions of your garden or landscape. A plant nursery can help you determine the best soil type for your specific plantings.
