Gardening in Sandy Soil
The Benefits and Challenges

Sandy soil, like other soil types, is distinguished by particle size. The bits vary in size from fine sand at 1/250 of an inch in diameter to course sand of up to 1/12 inch. Sand bits are as large as any that can still be called soil. Bigger particles than that are classed as gravel.

As a gnome, I can tell you that it is difficult to build a home (burrow) in sandy soils. The sand particles are actually tiny little rocks that will not bind together, causing the walls to cave in.

It offers good drainage (too good) and is easy to work. But it also requires a lot of water and heavier feeding.

Some crops like sandy soils. Root crops are well suited to them because the root tubers can develop more easily. Potatoes develop well with better-shaped spuds, for instance.

Other crops, such as leafy greens and heavy fruited vegetables will grow well only if the soil remains moist. These crops require more constant water levels to prevent wilting.

All plants, and particularly vegetables, take a lot more watering to thrive in sand. The soil must remain moist, both to keep the roots damp and to maintain the availability of nutrients. Plants cannot take up nutrients from dry soil. Pouring on more water creates its own problems, though.

Nutrients are easily leached through it, so more nutrients or fertilizer are required. Air supply to the root zone is better, however.

So, is there a solution to these challenges? Yes.

Improving Sandy Soil

If you must add to the volume of soil, add silt if you can get it. Mixed with sand, silt will bring your soil closest to the coveted loam soil that all gardeners want. Never mix in clay. Clay will not improve your garden. But, there is a better solution.

Yup, you guessed it. Adding organic matter is the best thing you can do to make your garden more productive, while conserving both water and nutrients. The important “how much of what to add” question is covered on the organic matter page. But, the benefit of adding organic material is dramatic. Here is why.

First, the organic material runs the size gambit from tiny to large, improving both soil texture and water retention. Second, better moisture retention mean less watering that would otherwise leach nutrients deeply below the reach of your plants. Finally, the organic matter matter is itself fast food for your plants.

We have been talking about soils containing mostly sand, but these often contain larger rocks that are difficult to work with. If your soil is very rocky, consider raised beds and soil recipes.

Happy gardening,

Geefrank

If you have Clay Soil

If you have Silty Soil

If you have Loam Soil

Learn more about adding Organic Matter

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