Determining soil type

If you're not quite sure what sort of soil type you have, then it's probably a good idea to get a sample of your soil analysed before you plant. A technical laboratory can do this for you. You should expect a summary of the minerals present, the condition of the soil (acidity and concentration of plant foodstuffs) and some advice as to improve it. Another good tip is to visit other gardens in your own area to discover what plants thrive locally!

Clay soil

Heavy clay soil, which retails a great deal of moisture, is certainly not suitable for desert plants such as Agave and Yucca. Heathers and conifers dislike clay and mediterranean plants which like dry soil such as Cistus, Chamaerops, herbs and succulents will not survive without soil improvement.

A radical improvement by adding coarse sand, a great deal of compost, lava powder and bonemeal will enable bamboo, ferns, bananas, gingers and such like to grow. Make sure that all these additives cause the soil level to rise so that it drains better. If desert plants are going to be planted, then improve drainage still further using basalt or lava grit and mix coarse sand at a mixure of at least 80%.

Watering is less necessary than on normal, dry soil but can do no harm during long, dry summers. A good idea is a ring hose with spray nozzles attached. Try to use surface water, water from underground is often to cold and iron-rich. A good idea is to pump ground water up and allow it to reach ambient temperature in a basin for a few days. This also alows the iron to sink out, so your plants get just what they need!

Peaty soil

Peat is usually fibrous and moisture retentive. If it's very acidic then it's a bit of a challenge for the exotic garden. To reduce acidity for exotic plants, mix ground shells and/or compost composed of basalt or lava powder. A rich peat will encourage the growth of stinging nettles (this is an indication of plenty of nitrogen in the soil) and you will not need to improve the soil other than adding some basalt or lava mix. Planting meditteranean plants in this type of soil is impossible; you should really think more in terms of ferns, bamboo, rhododendrons and camellias.

If the water levels are high in your garden, consider creating a high area which will drain well. There are few plants which take well to permanently high water levels (with the exception of course of marsh plants). Watering in the summer is not really necessary.

Sandy soil

Dry, sandy soil which is well drained is ideal for desert plants such as Agave and Yucca. Heathers and conifers also like this sort of ground. Cistus, Oleander, Catus, succulents, eucalyptus, palms, herbs and the like can all be planted without soil improvement. The hotter the better so plant in full sun! You may want to experiment with basalt, lava powder or bonemeal for better results.

However, if your heart is set on a jungle environment complete with bamboo, ferns, camellia etcetera, then you've got your work cut out. Give extra fertilisation and plenty of water - a good idea is to place a ringed hose around your plants equipped with nozzles at intervals. Use surface water, or ground water which has stood around a few days above ground. By doing so, the iron in the water sediments out and the water warms up to ambient temperature. Your plants won't get shocked!