SITE ANALYSIS : SOIL (Part 2) Succulents or drought tolerating plants do survive in well drained loamy soil, but their original adaptation would have been to sand or dry clay soil. Similarly each plant would have adapted to certain type of soil, and novice gardeners would find it hard to identify what the plant needs. Hence a general mixture of Clay, Sand and Silt with organic matter known as Loamy soil is preferred for a wide range of purposes. How to make your soil loamy? Clay soil : Mix lot of compost and add sand (if available ) 1:3 ratio, you can also add cocopeat, vermiculite or perlite too. Sandy Soil : Mix only compost in ratio of 1:1, if possible use from varied sources like vermi compost, leaf compost, animal waste compost etc By doing so you're providing them good water retention, aeration and importantly drainage. As a *general rule of thumb* you can use this trick to identify your soil type. Hold the soil in your palm, clench your fingers and release. 1. If its hard and forms a definite shape it's clay 2. If it completely loses shape and flows like particles it's Sandy 3. If it partially retains shape but crumbles loosely then it's Loamy and good soil. Hope this helps you understand about soil. Please let us your thoughts or questions. #goodsoil #soilproperties #learngardening #learnwithcherry #soilhealth #sand #clay #redsoil #shape #shapes #plan #gardenplan #howtogarden #cherryplants #ilovegardens #smallgardens https://www.instagram.com/p/B_OXvSbAlCb/?igshid=2ycqfjvldvch
