Do-it-now-landscaping.com News: How to improve the soil, by Mary Ann Walz

Design Tip #2- Improving the SoilBy Mary Ann Walz
Soil Preparation One characteristic of Xeriscape plants is that they like soil that has good drainage. To be really successful with your landscape it is often necessary to improve the soil.

Soil Structure - This refers to the amount of sand, clay and loam in your soil. Clay soil drains poorly while sandy soil drains too quickly. The addition of organic matter helps improve both clay and sandy soils.

Soil pH - pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14 with 7 being a fairly neutral soil. Productive soils have a typical range of 5 to 8. Soils with a pH above 8 are very alkaline and below 5 very acidic. Most plants prefer a fairly neutral soil while others prefer a soil that is acidic or alkaline.

Soil Fertility

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