While you may assume soil is just a simple type of dirt that plants need, it actually plays a huge role in the success of your blooms. Alongside regular watering and fertilizing, plants need the right soil and nutrients to grow, and the importance of updating soils before growing season hits cannot be understated. “Adding fresh soil to flower beds and garden helps revitalize soil by improving texture and drainage and adding nutrients,” states Keven Shanks with Scotts Miracle-Gro.
However, not all plants will use the same type of soil. And depending on your existing soil conditions, you may need other soil amendments to ensure your plants are receiving the nutrients they require. Whether you’re looking to start your own garden or need tips for soil monitoring, Tractor Supply is here with the expert insights you need to be successful.
Differences between the Various Soil Types
Different soils are made with various ingredients that meet the needs of specific plants or garden spaces. For instance, most soils come with minerals, air and water, as well as living and dead organisms, which allow plants to grow. But different soils may have varying amounts of minerals, nutrients and organisms to give your plants exactly what they require. So, before selecting one, complete some research about your plants and the type of ground soil in your area to find something suitable for your garden.
“The important things to know when selecting a soil includes where the plants will be grown (in a container, raised bed or in-ground), the types of plants you’re planting and if you want to use an organic soil,” Shanks says.
The different types of soil include:
Topsoil
Topsoil is applied to garden beds before planting, covering ground soils and sitting on top to deliver essential nutrients. This type of soil contains high amounts of organic matter, made with a mix of sand, clay and silt, giving plants a nutrient-dense layer. These nutrients allow gardens to thrive, working to enhance soil drainage, structure and aeration, helping to support root growth and development and giving gardens a healthy foundation. However, never use it as your only source of soil, as it won’t give your plants enough nutrients, and doesn’t have the proper aeration or drainage. It’s generally recommended to add at least 2 to 8 inches of topsoil, and be sure to mix it with other soils.
Garden Soil
Garden soil is best used when mixed with your existing soils, usually in traditional ground garden beds. It’s made with both topsoil and soilless components, giving plants the nutrients they need to thrive. Garden soil can include peat, perlite, coir or bark, and different types have varying amount of ingredients, allowing you to choose something based on your plants’ needs.
According to Shanks, you should use a garden soil with compost and other ingredients to give fruits, vegetables and herb plants the nutrients to produce delicious blooms. He also suggests that garden soils can be used for other aspects of gardening:
“While garden soil can be used as a topsoil, garden soils are specifically formulated to create ideal growing conditions for plants and flowers,” Shank states. “Other topsoil types are general purpose and may not provide the nutrition plants need.”
Potting Soil
Potting soil is another option, working well for growing plants in pots. It’s formulated to be much lighter than garden soil, meaning it’ll remain aerated and ready for water to drain through. There are two types of mixes you can buy for pot plants – potting soil and potting mix. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are actually two different types of mixes.
Potting soil contains dirt and soil, as well as other ingredients, such as vermiculite, compost, peat moss and more. It’s designed to be denser than potting mixes, allowing for general use in in-ground gardens. However, potting mixes are not made with soil at all – instead using soilless components, such as perlite or peat moss, to deliver nutrients to container plants. This type of mix does not compact easily, preventing mold from forming inside pots and promoting better airflow through soils and plant roots.
Seed Starter
If you plan to start your plants from seeds, you may need other soil types, such as seed starter. Seed starter mixes are designed with soilless ingredients to promote water drainage and aeration, allowing seeds to germinate and begin growing.
“Seed starter is finer than a regular potting mix, so young roots have an easier time poking through,” Shanks says. “It mostly contains lightweight peat moss – a texture that allows air to move through while retaining a uniform amount of moisture.”
While you don’t always need a seed starter to grow seeds, having one allows blooms to be more impressive. Additionally, soil can contain mold and fungi, which can infect your plant as it grows. Soilless mixes are more sterile, meaning your plants will be less at-risk of disease.
How to Choose the Right Soil
When finding appropriate soil, you should also consider the type of garden you want to create and your existing soil conditions. For example, if growing plants in a pot or container, be sure to use a potting mix. On the other hand, if you plan to start a raised garden bed, use a raised bed soil.
Additionally, different plants will thrive better in various soil conditions, so knowing about your area’s soil can help you decide on the best plants to grow. According to Shanks, flowers, such as azaleas, hydrangeas or gardenias, thrive in high-acidity soils, while leafy vegetables, such as rhubarb, lettuce or brussels sprouts, prefer soils with a high nitrogen content.
What Are Soil Amendments? What Do They Do?
Soil amendments are additives that you apply to soils to give plants the nutrients they require, especially if your ground soil isn’t doing the job. It enhances the workability and structure of your soil, allowing it to be suitable for your plants.
“For example, instead of a compacted soil with small-sized pores, the addition of a soil amendment creates larger clumps that form large-sized pores for better water and air movement,” Shank explains. “A soil amendment also helps improve sand soil by helping it retain water and nutrients for plant roots.”
To determine if you need a soil amendment, it can help to test and monitor the soil’s pH and moisture, which will tell you if there’s too much alkalinity or acidity. Different plants require various pH levels, and when they’re off, your plants can’t absorb the nutrients they require. After testing your soil, you should be able to identify which soil amendments you need, working to give your plants their nutrients, enhance soil structure and allow blooms to thrive.
Three common types of soil amendments include:
- Perlite: This is made with expanded volcanic rock heated up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, working to prevent soils from compacting and helping to enhance aeration and drainage. Use this soil amendment to lighten up native soils and heavy potting mixes.
- Coir: This is formed from coconut husks, absorbing water well and releasing it when needed, making it great for soils that need better water retention.
- Compost: This helps soils retain nutrients and moisture, and it can be mixed into soils in early spring when starting up gardens, or in the fall to prepare soils for the next planting season.
But you don’t always have to purchase these ingredients separately – many garden, potting and raised bed soils are already formulated with these ingredients. So, if you already know what types of ingredients your plants require, be sure to browse soil options with amendments already mixed in. You can usually find your soil’s ingredient information on the back of their bags, making it easy to identify and find what you need.
Keep Your Plants Happy and Healthy with Soils from Tractor Supply
From beginner gardeners to seasoned landscapers, we have all the tools and supplies to help your garden spaces thrive, creating stunning blooms and colors to decorate your yard. Whether you need soil amendments to enhance soil conditions or potting soil to help potted plants grow, rely on our gardening products in-store and online. To learn more about what we offer, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.