Tips for Choosing the Right Soil to Start Gardening

Understanding Common Soil Types

Before you start planting, it’s crucial to understand the different soil types and their unique characteristics. Each type of soil has its own advantages and limitations that directly impact plant growth.

1. Loam Soil

Loam soil is ideal for plants that require rich nutrients. With its fine texture, loam soil retains water well, making it suitable for many plant varieties. However, if the soil does not drain well, it can lead to root rot. TGKM has witnessed many gardens face this issue, so if you choose loam soil, make sure to improve drainage by mixing in sand or mulch.

2. Sandy Soil

Sandy soil is known for its excellent drainage, which helps plants that prefer dry conditions and don’t like excessive moisture. However, sandy soil lacks the ability to retain moisture and nutrients, making plants more susceptible to dehydration or nutrient deficiencies. To compensate for this, you will need to regularly add fertilizers and amend the soil. TGKM can say that sandy soil is perfect for plants that require quick drainage, like cacti, but it does require patience to care for.

3. Clay Soil

Another type of soil TGKM frequently encounters in garden designs is clay soil. Clay soil holds water very well, but if not properly amended, it can become compacted, preventing water from draining, which leads to root waterlogging. You will need to mix clay soil with sand or mulch to improve drainage. However, clay soil is ideal for moisture-loving plants as long as you manage its moisture and drainage effectively.

4. Loamy Sand Soil

Loamy sand is a perfect blend of loam and sandy soil. With its ability to retain water while not causing waterlogging, loamy sand helps plants grow healthy without the common problems associated with loam or sandy soil. This type of soil is ideal for most plants as it creates an ideal environment for growth without worrying about water retention or drainage issues.

Testing Soil pH

Soil pH is a factor you cannot overlook. pH directly affects a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients, and each plant has different pH requirements. TGKM has seen many plants fail to thrive simply because the pH wasn’t suited to their needs. So, how do you test and adjust your soil pH?

1. Acidic Soil (Low pH)

Soil with a pH below 6 is ideal for plants that prefer acidic conditions, such as rhododendrons, blueberries, or succulents. Acidic soil helps plants absorb minerals and nutrients easily. However, you need to adjust the pH if the plant requires a more precise pH level because too acidic soil will hinder plant growth.

2. Neutral Soil (pH 6 – 7)

If you’re unsure about the pH of your soil, soil with a neutral pH between 6 and 7 is the best choice for most plants. This type of soil is ideal for vegetables, flowers, and fruit-bearing plants. Neutral soil ensures plants can absorb all the necessary nutrients without encountering any deficiencies or excess minerals.

3. Alkaline Soil (High pH)

Soil with a pH above 7 is considered alkaline, which is suitable for plants like cucumbers, tomatoes, or legumes. However, one issue with alkaline soil is that it can lack certain minerals, such as iron, which leads to nutrient deficiencies in plants. To fix this, you will need to supplement the soil with fertilizers containing iron to ensure the plants thrive. Plants grown in alkaline soil should be regularly monitored to ensure they receive the right amount of nutrients.

 To easily adjust your soil pH, you can use available soil pH testing kits. These are useful tools that help you precisely determine the pH of your soil, allowing you to take appropriate action to improve it.

By understanding soil types and pH, you will gradually have a thriving garden. Each type of soil and pH level has its own unique characteristics, and the key is to optimize them to suit your plants’ needs

Consider the Origin and Composition of Soil

When you decide to purchase soil for planting, especially in designing green spaces for hospitality or restaurant services, choosing the right soil is not a simple task. Soil is not just where plants take root but also an important factor affecting the health and growth of plants. Understanding the origin and composition of soil will help you avoid mistakes that could reduce the quality of your green spaces. Quality soil is not only clean but also must contain all the necessary nutrients to support healthy plant growth.

When you look at a bag of soil from a store or an external supplier, it’s essential to check its composition. If the soil contains too much clay or lacks basic nutrients, you might face some problems during planting. To make it easier for you to choose, here are the common types of soil that you can consider, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Organic Soil

Organic soil is made from natural materials such as decomposed leaves, compost, worm castings, or mulch. This type of soil is particularly suitable for spaces where you need to provide natural nutrients for plants, especially in areas with ornamental or edible plants. Organic soil not only helps improve the soil structure but also provides a rich amount of nutrients for plants to grow healthy. The structure of organic soil is often loose and airy, allowing it to retain moisture well while also draining effectively — a critical factor for plants that require a humid environment.

Imagine if you’re designing a garden for a restaurant, where the plants need to not only look beautiful but also thrive. Using organic soil will help ensure that the plants grow sustainably and remain healthy. Specifically, organic soil can improve the pH levels of the soil, creating an ideal environment for plant growth such as vegetables or flowers.

One of the standout benefits of organic soil is its ability to rehabilitate poor or compacted soils. You definitely wouldn’t want your plants in a resort garden to struggle due to lackluster soil. Organic soil, with its decomposition of organic materials, will create an ideal environment for plant development.

Synthetic Soil

While organic soil primarily comes from natural materials, synthetic soil is a blend of many ingredients such as clay, sand, fertilizers, and additives like sawdust or rice husks. This type of soil helps you better control soil quality and provides plants with an optimal growing environment. Synthetic soil retains moisture well but also allows water to drain effectively, which is essential for plants requiring good drainage.

You’ll certainly encounter certain plants with high soil requirements, such as fruit-bearing trees like apples, pears, or peaches. These plants need soil that drains quickly while maintaining adequate moisture. Synthetic soil is the ideal choice for such plants because it maintains soil aeration and effectively drains excess water.

However, one critical consideration is ensuring that synthetic soil does not contain harmful chemicals or fertilizers that might affect plant growth. Be sure you’re aware of the soil composition and check for any harmful chemicals used.

When purchasing synthetic soil, make sure to verify the technical specifications and ingredients. Ensure the soil does not contain any harmful chemicals that could damage your plants and impact the quality of your green space.

In summary, choosing soil from reputable sources and understanding its composition will provide a strong foundation for plant growth. This will not only save you time on maintenance but also enhance productivity and health, resulting in a sustainable and beautiful space for your hospitality or restaurant services