6 Soil Types and the Different Plants Perfect for Each

There are a multitude of different soil types, each with a different purpose to a garden and customized to boast the growth of specific groups of vegetation. If you’re growing a garden, it becomes important to know which soil’s best for what you expect to grow. Here’s the most common soil types and the plants associated to each.

Chalky soil

Chalky soil is larger grained and stonier. This effect makes drainage very easily done, compared to some of the other soil types in Canada. Chalky soil is alkaline which means fertilizers and balancing the pH is needed to prevent stunted plant growth. Some gardeners even will use a hummus to help improve water retention and soil workability.

Silty soil

Silty soil is an easy soil to cultivate in, holds moisture well, and is packed with a lot of nutrients. Its’ biggest drawback is that organic matter and compost are usually needed to help improve its weak points, such as drainage, soil structure, and holding nutrients long-term. Silty soil is recommended for shrubs, grasses, and perennials.

Sandy soil

Sandy soil is gritty, drains easy, and is an easy soil to cultivate plants in. Sandy soil warms quickly however holds less nutrients than some other soils available for purchase. This is only because rainfall washes away nutrients with relative ease. For this reason, sandy soil will require organic additions and ongoing maintenance through fertilizer. Some mulching can also help it retain moisture.

Peaty soil

Peaty soil appears darker in color, usually feeling damp and spongy to the touch. A peat-based soil will retain a lot of water, to such a point that it will become a problem. You may have to dig drainage channels for peaty soil, to help get some of that water running through and out. This soil’s acidity can be minimized with rich organic matter and compost. For healthy plant growth, peaty soil’s a very diverse choice.

Loamy soil

Loamy soil is a soil mix, oftentimes made from sand, silt, and clay. If you’re searching for bulk soil delivery in Toronto, you may want to consider a loamy clay as this is the optimum soil for lawns, shrubs, and general gardening. It has a fine structure, average drainage, retains moisture well, nutrient-dense, and more. Despite its many benefits, like a lot of other soil types, it requires a replenishment with organic matter semi-regularly.

Clay soil

Clay soil’s two primary characteristics are a lack of drainage which means more moisture’s retained and a lack of air space. When you pick up clay soil, you’ll probably notice its lumps and stickiness. Some gardeners will enhance clay soil drainage through various means, allowing growth to develop. Clay soil is a heavy one and will warm up slowly in the spring. It’s a nice selection for things like fruit trees, perennials, shrubs, and a short selection of crops.

Core Mini Bins, all summer long, has been providing bulk soil delivery to properties across the City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, and York. If you need soil in the GTA this fall, don’t hesitate to contact us. We provide delivery right to your front door, helping you get done your gardening, landscaping, and any sort of land forming you want. Healthy, nutrient-dense soil’s ready to be moved. Don’t miss out! While the weather’s still warm, get your property looking good!