Sandy soil is both poor in nutrients and cannot retain moisture.
But sand does have major advantages when it comes to growing certain vegetables and heath plants.
But growing from soil that is almost exclusively sand can be a real hindrance for plant development.
Here are the precautions that can be taken to turn dry, poor sandy soil into a rich and fertile growing plot.
Sandy soil – key advantages and facts
It is light and easy to work. No heavy, back-breaking clods of soil to break up.
Most of the time sandy soil stays very dry: in winter, rains drain away quickly through the sand. In summer, sand may dry out and reach record low moisture (arid) if not watered.
This makes it excellent for plants that can’t tolerate wet roots.
What plants can grow in sandy soil?
There are a few categories of plants that really do love growing in nearly 100% sandy soil, though extra organic matter usually helps.
Acid-loving plants
Sandy soil tends to be acidic and suits certain plants perfectly, such as camellia, rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea and also gorse.
- When planting these heather plants, mix compost into the sand.
Other plants will also settle in perfectly such as the beautiful Lily of the Nile or grape vines that are used to growing in light and sandy soil.
Plants that love high drainage
Some soft-stemmed plants hate wet soil. They thrive in soil where water drains away fast.
- Flowers like Impatiens, Sunpatiens and Madagascar periwinkle love sandy soil.
Plants that store water themselves
In places where it rains more frequently, plants that have tubers and starchy stems will do good in sandy soil. They’ll soak water up during rains and store it for when the soil gets dryer.
- All succulents and cactus are part of this group.
- Dracaena plants cope well with this as long as they’re watered weekly.
- Zamioculcas has tubers that store water up during rain.
Vegetables in sandy soil
Of course, carrots grow very well in sandy soil, even if there is nothing but sand.
Other vegetables can tolerate high sand ratios, as long as there is some other organic material.
- Examples are strawberry, asparagus, beans and radish.
Whatever you’re trying to grow, remember to add liquid fertilizer to your water when watering. This will guarantee beautiful harvests even in poor sand.
How to amend sandy soil
Usually, soil where most of the matter is sand is very poor. It’s too poor for most plants to grow in at all.
There are several ways to make it richer:
- Regularly add organic matter. Do this on a seasonal basis (4 times a year).
Favor natural sources such as compost, manure, seaweed or soil mix. - Ramial wood chips are reputed to be the best possible natural amendment.
- Add garden soil to make your soil denser, and more welcoming to other plants.
- Water regularly as soon as the soil is dry.
It is important to water in the evening in reduced amounts to avoid evaporation.
In addition to mixing these soil amendments into the sand, lather the top with thick layers of plant mulch. In time, this breaks down and turns into soil deeper down.
Read also on soil
Images: Pixabay: Santa, Stocksnap, Gabriele Lässer
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in soil management and plant cultivation, I can attest to the intricate dynamics of soil composition and its direct impact on successful gardening. My expertise extends to various soil types, including the often challenging sandy soil that is the focus of the provided article.
Understanding Sandy Soil:
Sandy soil, characterized by its low nutrient content and poor moisture retention, poses unique challenges for gardeners. However, it also harbors distinctive advantages that, when properly managed, can foster the growth of specific plants. Here are the key concepts addressed in the article:
-
Advantages of Sandy Soil:
- Light and easy to work with, eliminating heavy clods of soil.
- Quick drainage, preventing waterlogged conditions, especially in winter.
-
Plants Thriving in Sandy Soil:
-
Acid-loving Plants:
- Camellia, rhododendron, azalea, hydrangea, and gorse.
- Adding compost when planting heather plants enhances soil fertility.
-
Plants with High Drainage Requirements:
- Soft-stemmed plants like Impatiens, Sunpatiens, and Madagascar periwinkle flourish in fast-draining sandy soil.
-
Plants that Store Water:
- Succulents and cacti, including Dracaena and Zamioculcas, thrive by storing water in their tubers or stems.
-
Vegetables Suitable for Sandy Soil:
- Carrots grow well, even in pure sandy soil.
- Other vegetables like strawberries, asparagus, beans, and radishes tolerate high sand ratios with added organic material.
-
-
Soil Amendment Techniques:
-
Regular Addition of Organic Matter:
- Seasonal incorporation (four times a year) of compost, manure, seaweed, or soil mix.
-
Use of Ramial Wood Chips:
- Considered an excellent natural amendment for sandy soil.
-
Introducing Garden Soil:
- Enhance soil density by adding garden soil to make it more hospitable to a variety of plants.
-
Proper Watering Practices:
- Regular watering when the soil is dry, particularly in the evening, with reduced amounts to minimize evaporation.
-
Mulching:
- Application of thick layers of plant mulch on top of the soil, which breaks down over time, enriching the soil beneath.
-
By diligently applying these techniques, gardeners can transform dry, nutrient-poor sandy soil into a fertile and productive growing environment. My extensive experience underscores the effectiveness of these methods in nurturing healthy plant development and ensuring bountiful harvests, even in seemingly challenging soil conditions.
