85 Chief Justice Cushing Hwy ~ Rt. 3A ~ Scituate, MA 02066 ~ 781-545-1266

 

Getting your plants to grow well in your soil.

Let us know if your soil drains well which usually means it is sandy.  If your yard has large puddles after rain storms then it may not drain well, leaving you with clay soils.  The basis for healthy plants starts with your soil.  Great soil makes great plants.  Dark loamy soil is the best, but most of us in New England do not have perfect soil.  Soil quality is measured in many ways, but how well it allows water to drain is most important.  Clay soil is the worst kind of soil for drainage.  Clay soil is made up of very fine particles that "stick" together, not allowing water to pass through easily.  Having clay, or poorly drained soil, can cause plants to suffer form too much water and lack of air.  Yes, the roots of your plants can "suffocate" from being in poorly drained, wet soil.  Certain steps can be taken to improve clay soil conditions, but you may have to spend some extra time and money, if not, we will have to choose your plants wisely.
    Having well-drained soil is a different obstacle to hurdle.  Sandy soil is the opposite of clay, it allows water to pass through very easily.  Sandy soil means that the water may drain away too quickly, taking with it many important soil nutrients.  However, sandy soil is much easier to correct.      
    If you have trouble determining the type of soil you have, bring us some samples.  Dig down 6-12" in several spots in your landscape area.  You can bring the soil to Kennedy's in a bucket or a bag and will will take a look at it for you so we can suggest corrective measures.
    Soil pH is another factor that affect plants.  Most soil in New England is acidic, and we will assume that it is the case in your yard.  To be safe, you can easily test your soil pH, by purchasing an inexpensive kit our Garden Center.

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Last modified: October 30, 2004