Types of Loam Soil for Organic Gardening

There are many types of loam soil for organic gardening. This type of soil works well for the following reasons. It is a good base for plants, especially for starting seedlings or for the re-potting of old plants. For the vegetable gardener, this soil provides a rich, fertile ground for the plants to grow in. For the home gardener, it will add both beauty and texture to your garden.

1. Two Main Types of Soils

Most people think of two different types of loam soil for organic gardening: the soil that you trowel over in the garden, and the soil in your compost. Neither of these is wrong. What is a problem is the way people discuss and describe these two soil types. Many people refer to the loose sandy type of soil as “loam soil”. Others call the clay-based type of soil “irrigated soil” and still others call the potting soil “carbon-rich soil”. Hopefully, the next few articles will clear up the confusion.

2. Sand

This soil has a medium tight texture and is slightly loamy. It is best for cool, shady areas that are not exposed to large amounts of sun. It is also fine for any variety of plantings, whether they be for annuals or perennials. In its various forms, sand is used for landscaping, field markings, sloping gardens, erosion control on steep slopes and as an insecticide and pesticide.

3. Potting Soil

Potting soil is the loose gravel or loose sand that you place in your garden to increase the volume of the soil and make it more aerated so it will drain properly. Loam is the other type of soil. Loam is the soil type that most experts recommend. This type of soil is usually moist but yet retains the proper amount of water needed by the plants for healthy growth. It can also retain more of the microorganisms that are beneficial to your garden as well as any insects that may be in the area.

4. Clay-Based Soil

This is the most commonly used soil type for gardeners. Clay soils are absorbent and hold water well. Clay-based clays come in several varieties including red clay, white clay and pink clays, all with different properties.

5. Loam-based Mulches

These are another one of the types of loam soil for organic gardening. They provide good drainage and are quite popular. They require very little maintenance and can suit any area of a garden. Loam is the most stable of the types of soil, but most gardeners will agree that a loose sandy loam is usually the easiest for plant roots to grow on. Loam soils are best planted in the spring or fall, before long-term heat and dryness sets in. They need to be watered regularly to maintain their elasticity and keep the soil moist.

6. Green Soil

Green soil has rich organic matter and is usually less compacted than clay. The name comes from the green tints it sometimes displays when a layer of green soil is watered. It’s also well-drained and can hold onto moisture well. The most popular varieties of green soil are dark green, Bermuda and blue-green. You may be able to add fertilizer, although you’ll need to test the soil first to make sure you aren’t going to have too much added to it.

7. Bamboo Soil

This is the most exotic of the three types of soil types. It contains silica, which is highly soluble and can easily dissolve into the soil. This makes it a great choice for the beginning gardener who wants to create his or her own soil, or for the professional who mixes it in with other types.

8. Butane

This is basically a combination of both clay and green soils. Butane has a finer texture and is more hydrophobic, meaning it won’t burn up in the sun like clay. It can also hold up to high amounts of water. These are the most commonly used types of soil by professional gardeners because they are highly effective, but the types that are used more commonly by homeowners are usually either clay or byproducts of other types of soil.

9. Conclusion

One thing that should be remembered when it comes to organic gardening is the fact that you need to keep the soil away from any form of chemical fertilizers. This is because there are many types of synthetic fertilizers that can be very harmful to your plants. Organic gardening can also be very rewarding as you will be able to see a result almost immediately. There are many benefits of organic gardening and one of them is that you do not need to use any types of chemicals when it comes to your plants.