Soil types

Clay soil Feels lumpy and sticky when very wet Rock-hard when dry Drains poorly Few air spaces Warms slowly in spring Heavy to cultivate	Sandy soil Free-draining Gritty to the touch Warms up quickly in spring Easy to cultivate Dries out rapidly	Silty soil Smooth and soapy to the touch Well-drained Retains moisture Easier to cultivate than clay Heavier than sand Soil structure is weak and easily compacted
Peaty soil Dark in colour Warms up quickly in spring Highly water retentive and may require drainage if the water table is near the surface	Chalky soil Alkaline, with a pH of 7.5 or more Usually stony Free draining Often overlays chalk or limestone bedrock	Loamy soil Good structure Drains well Retains moisture Easy to cultivate Warms up quickly in spring and doesn't dry out in summer