Soil Types.

To be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil.
~Xenophon, Oeconomicus 400 B.C.

SAND: millions and millions of tiny grains of rock and mineral particles. Sand helps capture the sun's warmth, and is also free-draining, improving drainage when added to garden soil. Depending on how much sand is used, your garden soil may require more watering and regular applications of fertilizer such as seaweed kelp and compost tea. Grains of sand will have the appearance of beach sand, and feel rough or gritty when rubbed between the fingers because of its jagged edges.

SILT: created from river deposits, its grain particles are smaller than sand but larger than clay. Silt was deposited along the flood banks of the Nile River, increasing the fertility of the soil; this was the basis of the productive agricultural civilization often depicted in Ancient Egyptian murals. Both sandy and silty soils become acidic and nutrient poor over time so seasonal applications of lime and organic matter may be necessary. Silt has a powdery, flour or dust like texture. When wet, it feels smooth but not sticky.

CLAY: a very heavy, dense soil that is often hard to penetrate with water or a gardening implement. It is often very compressed and compact which makes it difficult for roots to establish properly. Although clay tends to be poor in organic matter, it is rich in nutrients and retains water well. It has the tendency to become waterlogged, which can cause it to expand and then crack as it shrinks and dries. (This is why potters take extra care when drying their creations for kiln firing, by applying damp coverings or spraying them with mist.) Working the clay with a spading fork when it's moist (neither dry or wet) is easiest, and will expose it to sun and air causing it to crumble. At this point, aged manure, compost and leaf mold (all good sources of organic matter) can be added to the clay to help improve its structure. Clay has a smooth and sticky texture when wet, and is very pliable.

LOAM: a combination of sand, silt and clay. The heavier the loam, the more clay content it has. The lighter the loam, the more sand content it has. Loam can be a great starting base for building garden soil. Just mix with aged manure, compost and/or leaf mold.

HUMUS: soil that is comprised of decomposed plant and animal matter, and is often dark brown to black in color. It's nutrient rich, retains water, and is easy to cultivate. On an etymological side note, humus and human share the same root——humi meaning 'on the ground', something to contemplate while you have your hands in the soil.