71 Plants That Grow in Sandy Soil

Do you like plants? Do you live near a beach? If so, several plants thrive in sandy soil; we will tell you about a few.

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 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. Some of the most nutritious vegetable crops grow in sandy 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 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, adding texture to your sandy landscaping.

Tamarisks, or salt cedars, as they’re commonly called, are an excellent option for a shrub species that can survive in this soil type. These shrubs are drought-tolerant and have a feathery appearance that will 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 five 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 suitable for some plants. However, it is also more challenging to care for them than plants in clay soil.

Because sand is made up of large particles, it cannot retain moisture for long and needs water occasionally.

Garden plants in this soil type must be fertilized throughout the growing season. The best fertilizer for sandy soil is a 10-10-10 (NPK) mix.

You can also use cover crops to increase nutrient efficiency and protect the sandy medium. Overall, a plant needs adequate space for growth, nutrients, and water 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.

Moreover, because it is well-drained, it benefits most flowering plants. It is also suitable for plants with strong root systems that prefer dry, acidic soil.

This soil type drains quickly after a rain shower, making your garden less susceptible to flooding.

Not many plant species thrive in sandy soil. Still, it’s simpler to amend sandy soils than clay soils, and plants that grow well in sandy areas often require less care.

If you have a sandy soil garden at home, it is worth looking for plants suitable for that soil type and planning your garden around it.

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 an online store such as SeedsNow is an excellent option if you don’t have a garden center near you.

Takeaway

A surprising number of plants can thrive in sandy soil, and with some know-how, you can grow some of these plants in your garden or backyard.

Be sure to select plants suited to your climate and soil type. Sandy soil can be more challenging to work with than other types.

You can create a yard full of plants that prefer sandy soil with patience and care.