Do you like plants? Do you live near a beach? If so, there are several plants that thrive in sandy soil, and we’re going to tell you about a few of them.
Many people mistakenly believe that plants can’t grow in a sandy soil garden because it doesn’t hold onto nutrients for long [1]. While it’s true that sand doesn’t have the same nutrient content as other soil types, that doesn’t mean plants can’t grow in it.
So what are some of the best plants to grow in sandy soil? Keep reading to find out!
Vegetables That Grow in Sandy Soil
Not all veggies thrive in rich, fertile soil. In fact, some of the most nutritious vegetable crops grow in this type of soil.
Below are 16 vegetables that grow well in sandy soil:
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Peppers
- Corn
- Okra
- Squash
- Zucchini
- Collard Greens
- Asparagus
- Radishes
- Beans
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Garlic
- Beets
Herbs
Some herbs can also be grown in sandy soil. Below is a list of seven of the best ones.
- Thyme
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Sage
- Yarrow
- Beach Pea
Flowers
Some flowers grow better in sandy soil than they do in other soils.
One of the best examples of this is the sea hibiscus. This flowering tree thrives in hot, sandy environments, making it the perfect choice for coastal areas.
Below are our top 15 flowers that like sandy soils. These plants can withstand heat and drought better than other plants. Some of these are also perennials that will do well in the humidity of the coast.
- Cranesbills
- Tulips
- Lavender
- Salvias
- Black Eyed Susans
- Sedum
- Phlox
- Foxglove
- Hosta
- Butterfly Weed
- Cosmos
- Cleome
- Daylily
- Crape Myrtle
- Zinnia
Shrubs for Sandy Soil
Some shrubs thrive in drier soil and can add texture to your sandy landscaping.
Tamarisks, or salt cedars, as they’re commonly called, are a great option for a shrub species that can survive in this soil type. These shrubs are drought-tolerant and have a feathery appearance that is sure to draw attention [2].
Below are the 14 best shrubs that do well in sandy soil:
- Rose of Sharon
- Common Broom
- First Choice Caryopteris
- Hardy Fuchsia
- Sweet Fern
- Red Chokeberry
- Flowering Quince
- Tamarisks
- Needle Bush
- Blue Brush
- Golden Barberry
- Wild Irish Rose
- Tree Heath
- Sand Dune Willow
Fruit Trees
There are plenty of fruit trees that can be grown in sandy soil. Below are 14 of them:
- Jujube
- Dragon Fruit
- Guava
- Pomegranate
- Cherry
- Grapes
- Kei Apple
- Fig
- Natal plum
- Date Palms
- Persimmons
- Blueberries
- Citrus
- Almond
Indoor Plants
Have you ever wanted to bring a beach-like aesthetic into your home? Well, I have good news for you! The following 5 indoor plants do well in sandy soil!
Cacti store water in their fleshy stems and are well-suited for sandy soil. Other houseplants that can survive in sand include Aloe Vera, Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Impatiens.
How to Care For Plants That Grow in Sandy Soil
Sand or sandy soil is good for some plants. But it is also more difficult to care for them than plants in clay soil.
Because sand is made up of large particles, it is not able to retain moisture for long and needs water every now and then.
Also, garden plants grown in this soil type need to be fertilized throughout the growing season. A 10-10-10 (NPK) fertilizer mix is the best fertilizer to use in sandy soil.
You can also use cover crops to increase nutrient efficiency and protect the sandy medium. Overall, a plant needs to have adequate space for growth, nutrients, and water in order to thrive in sandy soil.
Advantages
Sandy soil has its advantages. It is easy to till, has good drainage, and is less susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases that affect gardens. Sandy soil is also more likely to warm up in the spring than other soil types.
And because it is well-drained, it is beneficial to most flowering plants. It is also good for plants that have strong root systems and prefer dry, acidic soil.
Besides, this soil type drains quickly after a shower of rain, making your garden less susceptible to flooding.
Moreover, although there aren’t many plant species that can thrive in sandy soil, it is way easier to amend sand-based soils than clay soils. Also, plants that are able to thrive in sandy soils tend to be low-maintenance.
If you have a sandy soil garden at home, it is worth looking for plants that are suitable for that soil type and planning your garden to include them.
Where to Buy Seeds
Now that you know all our top picks for sandy-soil-loving plants, it’s time to start looking for the right seeds. To make this process as easy as possible, you can start by shopping online.
Many garden centers offer a wide selection of seeds, but if you don’t have one near you, then an online store such as SeedsNow is an excellent option.
Takeaway
There are a surprising number of plants that can thrive in sandy soil, and with a bit of know-how, you can grow some of these plants in your very own garden or backyard.
Just be sure to select plants that are suited to your climate and soil type, and keep in mind that sandy soil can be a bit more difficult to work with than other types of soil. With a bit of patience and care, you can create a yard full of plants that like sandy soil.
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