Soil is made up in part of finely ground rock particles: sand (2 mm), silt (0.05 mm) and clay (0.002 mm). Each size plays a significantly different role and the character of the soil is determined by the different proportions of these particles. The largest (sand) affects drainage and aeration characteristics, while the smallest (clay) binds with water and plant nutrients.

Loam Soils

Loam contains a good balance of mineral particle sizes and is seen as the best quality of soil for general plant growth. Comprising of 50% sand and 50% silt and clay mix, its excellent crumb structure provides good drainage and water retention, combined with high fertility.

Clay Soils

Clay soils have are made up of a minimum of 25% clay particles, which ensure that water and nutrients are retained well. Its slow-draining qualities mean that it has a characteristically wet and sticky texture which may become easily compacted. Although it is often highly fertile, it is heavy to work, is slow to warm up in the spring and may bake hard in summer.

Sandy Soils

Sandy soils contain less than 8% clay particles, which makes them much less water-retentive than clay. Its large, gritty sand particles make it particularly light and free-draining. Whilst this means that it will warm up quickly in spring and is easy to dig, it also means that water and nutrients drain away freely, making plants vulnerable in dry weather. However, its relative infertility and open structure can both be improved by the addition of organic matter.

Silt Soils

Silt soils also contain less than 8% clay particles, making them less water-retentive than clay. However, the predominance of silt particles means that they are more moisture retentive and fertile than sandy soil. However, their small particles means that they are more likely to compact than sandy soils, causing water to run off their surface, and making them difficult to feed adequately.

Chalk Soils

Chalk soils are pale, alkaline and free-draining with moderate fertility. Their high pH encourages the rapid break down of organic matter; however, this high pH also restricts the availability of manganese and iron, requiring the need for additional feeding.

Peat Soils

Peat soils are dark, acidic and moisture-retentive. As their acidic nature inhibits decomposition, they are rich in organic matter and low in nutrients. They can support excellent plant growth, although they may need to be drained, fertilized and limed.

If your garden soil is not made up of ideal, crumbly loam - don't despair. We have some tips and tricks for you to deal with problem soils, whether they are chalky, sandy, clay, acidic or waterlogged.