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Types of soil
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Soil is the basis for plant growth. The type of soil, the structure and the fertiliser are all-important aspects. The type of soil determines the choice of plants.
Although most plants can grow anywhere, they will do better in one type of soil than in another. If a plant feels uncomfortable in a certain type of soil, you will soon notice this, as it will grow and flower less vigorously than a plant that is more suited to the soil. If you have bought a beautiful plant that doesn't really feel at home in the soil in your garden, you can adapt the soil to suit the needs of your latest purchase.
Clay soil, sandy soil and peat
Soil consists of solid particles with air and water in between.
The size of the solid particles varies considerably.
Clay soil
Clay soil consists of very tiny particles that are packed tightly together. That is why clay soil is heavy and has a compact structure. Clay soil must be turned over once a year in autumn and organic matter, such as home-made compost, must be added. In the summer regular hoeing will loosen the topsoil. This ensures that the roots get sufficient oxygen.
As clay soil retains water well, you virtually never need to water. On the other hand, this means that puddles soon form in wet weather. If this occurs, don't walk over the soil and allow the water enough time to drain away.
Sandy soil
Sandy soil consists of large particles that are piled loosely on top of one another. Plants on sandy soil virtually never suffer from oxygen deprivation, although drought can present a problem. That is why it is advisable to dig plenty of organic matter into the soil before planting and to water regularly in dry periods.
Nutrients are washed away by water in sandy soil. For healthy plant growth, adding fertiliser in spring is therefore recommended. Rapidly growing plants should be given extra fertiliser in May and June.
Peat
Peat is earth mixed with decayed and decaying vegetation. Peat is therefore naturally rich in organic matter.
Disadvantages are that the soil is sometimes too wet or that the ground-water level is rather high. This problem can be helped by planting trees, bushes and perennials on a raised mound, forcing the roots to penetrate more deeply into the ground and thus giving them a longer lease of life.
Soil life
Healthy soil is active and full of life. It houses numerous bacteria, fungi, insects and worms, as well as the odd mouse or mole. This soil life is essential as it makes the soil loose, fertile and healthy and keeps it that way.
Lime-rich soil and lime-free soil
The soil type can be classified in various ways. For instance, we have clay soil and sandy soil, as well as soil rich in humus and soil low in humus. Furthermore there is lime-rich soil and lime-free soil. If the lime content is high, the pH value is higher than 7. A soil that is low in lime is acidic and has a pH value lower than 7. A pH value of around 7 indicates a neutral soil. Most plants grow best in a neutral or slightly acidic soil, although some plants - such as heather, rhododendron and azalea - prefer a highly acidic soil. Simple soil-test kits are available which will show how acidic your soil is. A soil that is too acidic can be enriched with lime in autumn. Lime helps to retain a good structure and a healthy soil life. In addition, this element ensures that nutrients are released to
the plants. However, most plants do not like too much lime, so acidic fertilisers and peat should be added to lime-rich soil.
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