Sandy Soil
Sandy soil is made of larger, gritty particles that don't stick together well. It's much easier to dig than clay soil and it warms up more quickly because it has better aeration (air flow), which will allow you to plant earlier. Because it is looser than clay soil, it lets moisture and nutrients flow through it too easily, which means sandy soil can become acidic.
- Plants will quickly dry out and be undernourished if this soil isn't properly conditioned.
- Improving sandy soil is simply a matter of adding enough organic matter or compost to hold moisture and add nutrients.
- Place 6 inches (15 cm) of sandy soil on top or underneath a bed of organic matter. It's not important that it decomposes because its purpose is to hold moisture and nutrients.
- Mixing in raw sawdust is a good, long-lasting soil conditioner, but make sure it comes from wood that hasn't been chemically treated.
- If you have a large area to condition, try trench composting or growing your plants in a hay garden.
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