How to Fix Sandy Soil

If you have sandy soil, it drains well, in fact too well! You water and it is dry the next day, water runs through big sand molecules like a sieve taking the nutrients right along with it. The poor roots are high and dry. Yes, the large particles do create space for air (which plants and soil dwelling microbes and earthworms need) but there is nothing to catch and bind the water and nutrients to the roots.

The answer is easy

1. Add organic matter. Compost is called for here. Organic matter is eaten and decomposed by soil dwelling creatures. As they eat it turns in to a substance known as Humus. Humus is somewhat sticky and helps to bind (or aggregate) sand particles together to catch and hold water and other nutrients.
2. Simply cover the top of the soil with 2-3" of compost (OSH Garden Compost, One Earth) and lightly mix into soil before planting. Cover top with a good mulch to help conserve water and create a cool area for roots on hot days. You’re set to go.
3. Remember to add new compost every year to keep feeding the soil microbes.