Question
Hello,

I am new to gardening, and I don't know what type of soil I have in my backyard. In my backyard, the top part is sandy but when dig a few inches deep there seem to be a grey substances that stick together(I believe this is clay). So what type of soil do I have when it is sandy on top and a clay like substances at the bottom? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Kate,

From the description it sounds like you have a sandy loam topsoil that as been deposited over the natural clay soil.

If the sandy soils is only a one or two inches deep, you should plant your garden up on the basis that you have a clay soil when planting trees and shrubs and a sandy soil if planting shallow rooted grasses and other perennials.

Hope this helps.


Rgds,

Dr Dean Marston.