Sandy soil is considered a real challenge for beginning gardeners. It can be difficult to grow vegetables, fruit trees, or ornamental plants in such soil. This type of soil is considered loose and crumbly. Moreover, due to the extreme temperature fluctuations, many plants do not thrive in it. Therefore, it's crucial to know what grows well in sandy soil.
Soil characteristics
This type of soil has its pros and cons. The advantages of this type of soil include the following:
- vegetation rarely encounters fungal infections;
- The crops do not require treatment with fungicides.
However, this type of soil has a number of disadvantages:
- is distinguished by its poor composition;
- moisture quickly goes deep, becoming inaccessible to crops;
- overheats quickly during the day;
- cools down quickly at night.
When growing crops in this type of soil, avoid adding dry nutrients—in powder or granular form. They should first be mixed with water and added to the soil as a solution.
To achieve a high vegetable yield, you can use potassium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and superphosphate. Other fertilizers should be applied based on the crops being grown.
When applying nutrients in solution, sandy soil requires careful watering, with the soil being gradually moistened.
Avoid using too much fertilizer in this type of soil. It will quickly penetrate deep into the soil and become inaccessible to vegetables.
To improve the soil structure, it is recommended to follow these rules:
- systematically use organic fertilizers;
- add top layers of soil, which will help make the soil less light;
- Water the soil systematically as it dries out.
What grows in sandy soil?
To ensure successful plant growing, it's important to strictly follow the advice of experienced gardeners. First and foremost, you need to select crops that are suitable for the soil.
Fruit crops
Currants, barberries, and gooseberries thrive in this soil. Blackberries and honeysuckle are also perfectly suitable. However, it's important to provide the plants with proper care.
This type of soil is ideal for growing delicious, large strawberries. However, it's recommended to choose wild strawberry varieties that are related to wild strawberries. Many gardeners plant watermelons in sandy soil. Chokeberries and sea buckthorns are also suitable for growing in this type of soil.
Ornamental plants on sand
Conifers can be grown in a sandy area. A variety of flowers thrive here, but they require careful care. Ornamental plants include nasturtium, sage, and oregano. Irises, poppies, and cornflowers are also acceptable.
Sandy soil can easily be transformed into a grassy surface. This can include meadow grass, red fescue, or bluegrass. When choosing seeds, it's important to consider the climate, the light level of the area, and the intended use of the lawn.
The best perennials to grow in sandy soil include woolly stachys, creeping thyme, and sand pink. Arborvitaes can also be planted in any soil. However, they require adequate water.
Vegetables
Onions, potatoes, and root vegetables can be grown in sandy soil. However, it's important to keep in mind that such soil contains few nutrients and has difficulty retaining moisture. Therefore, it's crucial to apply sufficient fertilizer and ensure adequate watering.
This type of soil is ideal for growing carrots, beets, and cucumbers. Dill and parsley can also be planted in it. Sandy soil also produces an excellent tomato harvest. However, it's important to pay attention to improving the soil composition. To ensure a bountiful harvest, the beds require daily watering.
Sandy soil is considered unfavorable for growing crops. However, with the right approach, it can be used to plant vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. To achieve successful cultivation, it's important to strictly follow the recommended growing practices.