Master Gardener's Complete Guide
Healthy soil = healthy plants. Understanding pH, texture, organic matter, and exactly how much of each amendment to apply.
Heavy, sticky when wet, hard when dry. Holds nutrients well but drains poorly.
Identification: Roll moist soil into a ball — if it holds shape and feels slippery, it's clay.
Amendments: Compost (lots), Gypsum, Coarse sand, Organic mulch
Best for: Rose, aster, bee balm — once amended, very fertile
Problems: Waterlogging, compaction, slow to warm in spring
Light, gritty, drains quickly. Warms fast in spring but doesn't hold water or nutrients.
Identification: Feels gritty. Won't form a ball when squeezed — crumbles apart.
Amendments: Compost, Peat moss, Coconut coir, Vermiculite
Best for: Carrots, radishes, lavender, rosemary — root vegetables love it
Problems: Dries out fast, nutrients leach away, needs frequent watering/feeding
The gold standard. Balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay. Drains well, holds moisture and nutrients.
Identification: Feels smooth but slightly gritty. Forms a ball but crumbles when poked.
Amendments: Annual compost top-dressing to maintain, Mulch
Best for: Almost everything — the ideal garden soil
Problems: Lucky you! Just maintain with organic matter.
Smooth, flour-like texture. Holds moisture well. Fertile but compacts easily.
Identification: Feels silky smooth when rubbed between fingers. Slimy when wet.
Amendments: Compost, Coarse organic matter, Avoid tilling when wet
Best for: Most vegetables and flowers thrive if drainage is adequate
Problems: Crusts on surface, compacts easily, poor drainage when compacted
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| Amendment | Purpose | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Compost | All-purpose soil improver | |
| Peat Moss | Moisture retention, acidification | |
| Perlite | Drainage and aeration | |
| Vermiculite | Moisture retention and aeration | |
| Lime | Raise pH (make less acidic) | |
| Sulfur | Lower pH (make more acidic) | |
| Gypsum | Loosens clay, adds calcium without changing pH | |
| Worm Castings | Gentle, complete fertilizer |