Different Types of Soil: Knowing your Silts from your Sands

When it comes to creating a garden that can flourish and grow abundantly, it’s important to choose a good soil to make up the foundation of your landscaped gardens to last for many years to come. When you invest in different plants, it’s essential to ensure that your garden is complete with the right soil for you. As there are many different types of soil, we understand that it can be overwhelming to know what is best for you so we’re here to help!

Are you looking at different types of soil for plant growth for your home? Get in touch with Centenary Landscaping Supplies today for all of your landscaping needs! Browse our range of products or get in touch with our garden soil experts today on 07 3373 4999 or fill in the online form!

Different types of soil

There are six main different soil groups that all have their own different properties. Here’s a breakdown of the types of soil to consider for your garden.

Clay soil

Often feeling lumpy, rock hard when dry and sticky when wet, clay soil can be poor at draining with many people often avoiding it. Clay soil tends to have few air spaces and is heavy to cultivate however, if the drainage for this soil is enhanced, you can guarantee that your plants will thrive and grow due to the soil being rich in nutrients.

Clay soil is perfect for perennials and shrubs such as Helen’s Flower, Aster, Bergamot and Flowering Quince. Other trees that also prosper in this soil include fruit trees and ornamental trees.

Silt Soil

Silt is a solid, dust-like sediment that ice, water and wind transport and deposit. Made up of rock and mineral particles that are smaller than sand and larger than clay, silt can be found in soil along with other sediments like clay, gravel, and sand. Silt soil is normally slippery when wet and can often feel soft and soapy as it holds moisture well and is rich in nutrients however isn’t grainy or rocky.

Easily cultivated, silt soil is great for your garden if drainage is provided and is excellent for shrubs, climbers, grasses, perennials, and moisture loving trees (e.g., willow, dogwood, cypress and birch). The majority of fruit and vegetable crops thrive in silt soil if they have good drainage.

Tip: Mix in composted organic matter to help improve drainage and structure whilst also adding in necessary nutrients.

Sandy soil

Gritty, drains easily, dries out fast and easy to cultivate, sandy soil is a great choice for many shrubs and bulbs. Sandy soil benefits from mulching which assists in retaining the moisture, however this soil does tend to hold fewer nutrients during the wet months. Use this soil for your tulips, sun roses and hibiscus as well as root vegetable crops such as for your carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.

Tip: This soil requires organic adjustments such as glacial rock ducts, greensand, kelp meal and other organic fertilizer blends. If you’re still unsure, have a look through our landscaping supplies or get in touch with one of the experts in our team today!

Peaty soil

Peat is often known as turf, as it is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter. Peaty soil is often darker in comparison to the other types of soil as it can feel damp and spongy since it has higher levels of peat. Being an acidic soil, peaty soil can slow down decomposition which often can mean that the soil will end up having fewer nutrients and will also require more drainage channels.

Peaty soil is ideal for shrubs such as Heather, Lantern trees, Witch Hazel, Camellia, and vegetable crops such as legumes and root and salad crops when well drained.

Chalky soil

In comparison to other soils, chalky soil is alkaline in nature and is larger grained and a stonier soil. This free draining soil is often used for lilacs, Madonna lilies, weigela and vegetables such as spinach, beets, cabbage, and sweet corn.

Tip: It is important to note that this soil could potentially leave your plants stunted or have yellowish leaves due to its alkaline nature. You can easily resolve this with the right fertilisers to balance the pH levels.

Loamy soil

Lastly, the even mix of sand, silt and clay, loamy soil is fine textured soil ideal for gardening, lawns, and shrubs. This slightly damp soil is one of the most popular and easy soils to use as it has a solid structure, suitable drainage, is packed with nutrients and easily cultivated and retains moisture.

Loamy soil is also great during the seasons as it tends to quickly warm up in the springtime and doesn’t quickly dry out in summer. Perfect for climbers, bamboos, perennials, shrubs, and tubers this versatile soil is a popular choice by many. Use loamy soil for your wisteria, black bamboo, delphiniums, and vegetable and berry crops.

Learn more from the team at Centenary Landscaping Supplies

From the very beginning in 1986, Centenary Landscaping Supplies has focused on supplying the very best range when it comes to different types of soil for plant growth. Working diligently with topsoil suppliers and manufacturers, soil scientists and industry professionals to expand their range and set new standards with waste-free soils and potting mixes, you can choose from their different types of soil, between the new UltraGrow Collection or waste-based manufactured soil. 

Browse our range of landscaping supplies online store or for more information call us on 07 3373 4999 or fill out the online form.