Smart landscaping can make a space look more inviting and professional. It can also help mask the true age of a building. But no matter how well-designed the garden or flower bed is, if the plants cannot thrive, it will quickly lose its beauty. Something must be done for the soil supply to be successful.
It is generally known that the term “soil” refers to a mix of organic material, rock, minerals, and air pockets in which plants can thrive. It is classified according to the sizes of the particles namely clay, sand, and silt.
Clay is dense and has very fine particles. Sand has large particles but has poor water retention capability. And silt has intermediate-size particles rich in minerals and nutrients.
Check out this guide to soil types to enhance the health of your plants and make the landscaping beautiful and lush.
Compost
Technically not a soil, compost is a soil amendment that is rich in nutrients as it is made of decomposed organic materials. It lacks the structure to support plants satisfactorily but can be added to clay, sand, or silt to create loam. Compost is most effective when re-spread and tilled. Not only does it provide nutrients but it also reduces compaction of the soil that allows better drainage and aeration of the roots.
Loam
Considered the best soil for supporting plants, loam offers improved air circulation around plant roots and better drainage. Less dense than clay, it is more cohesive and heavier than sand making it better at retaining water and less likely to be eroded by the wind.
Mulch and Gravel
Technically, they aren’t really a type of soil but they can be added on top of the soil. Mulch and gravel help encourage plant growth protecting soil from water loss through evaporation and erosion. Mulch adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes while gravel absorbs heat during the day and releases it by night.
Topsoil
Usually contains increased volume of nutrients, topsoil is commercially produced. When used for landscaping, it must be tilled to the existing soil to upturn the upper layers and mix the two types together. When tilling is not done, it may create a water barrier that may cause improper drainage.
Whichever type of soil supply you are going to use, learn that it requires lots of planning time to create an eye-catching landscape. If you want to know more about landscaping, contact us at Landscape-supply.com.au.