Any master gardener will tell you that the soil used is the key to a successful garden. Whether the garden will be a flower garden or a vegetable garden, it is very important to understand the basics of gardening dirt and which type will be the best option. Here are some facts about gardening dirt in Austin, TX.
A gardening novice might not know that soil can vary greatly depending on where it is found. But the most important thing to understand about gardening soil is the what is called a soil profile. The best way to discover more about the soil is to dig a hole about 18 inches deep. This is a good depth because as plants grow, the roots should reach around 18 inches deep into the ground.
From that freshly made hole, the first six inches or so is what is known as the top soil. Top soil is something that many people have heard of, but don’t really know what it is exactly. The top soil is where all the living organisms live in the dirt. These living organisms break down the dirt to create nutrients for the plant.
The next layer under the top soil is called the subsoil. This is often a sandy mixture with a few rocks and pea gravel mixed in. This layer acts as a natural drain for the plants. It is very natural to want to dig this out or to pack it down into the earth, but that is actually more harmful to the plants. The subsoil needs to be loosely packed in order for the nutrients to filter down to the root of the plants.
The last layer should be clay. Don’t automatically assume that clay is bad for the plants. It is healthy for there to be a layer of clay at the bottom of the soil profile. There are plenty of nutrients that are retained in the clay and can help the plants.
Knowing those facts about gardening dirt in Austin, TX can make any garden successful. For more information on healthy dirt for gardening, please contact Loftin Trucking & Materials LLC.
