In our opinion it is far better to have a garden full of plants that will establish and thrive to their full potential rather than a group of plants that simply survive and give an average show.
Identifying and understanding your soil type will help you to find the best plants for your garden.
Clay Soils
- High in nutrients
- Heavy, wet and cold during the winter months
- Hard and dry during the summer
- Hold water and drain slowly
- Easily compacted and can suffer drainage problems
Sandy Soils
- Low in nutrients
- Light, dry and warm
- Often very acidic
- Dries out quickly and requires a lot of watering
Chalky or Lime-rich Soils
- Can be light or heavy
- May contain lumps of chalk or limestone
- Often very alkaline
- Contain calcium carbonate or lime
Silt Soils
- Fertile
- Light and retain moisture
- Easily compacted
- Well drained
Loams
- Mixtures of clay, sand and silt soils that avoid the extremes of each type
- Fertile
- Well drained
- Easily worked
Peat Soils
- High in organic matter
- Holds moisture
- Very fertile
