Get the best from dry soil

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Tuesday, 2 April 2019 at 11:47 am

Gardening on dry soil? We show you how to improve your soil and grow plants that thrive during drought.

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Do you have dry soil in your garden? It's quite easy to tell – it's easy to work, but it dries out fast. Other telltale signs include plants wilting quickly in hot weather and yellowing foliage, which is due to hindered nutrient take-up due to a lack of water.

If you have dry soil, there are several things you can do to improve it, including incorporating organic matter. You can also grow drought-tolerant plants.

Find out more, below.

Add organic matter

Shovelling organic matter from a trug to fork into the ground

Dry soil can be easily improved by adding organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or garden compost. This will improve the soil structure and will help to retain moisture.

Mulch

Placing bark mulch around a garden plant

Mulch the soil when it's damp to retain moisture – use compost, bark or gravel.

Grow drought-tolerant plants

Mauve flowers of hardy Geranium 'Stephanie'

Grow drought-tolerant or Mediterranean plants, such as bearded iris, agapanthus or ornamental grasses, as they will enjoy the good winter drainage. Discover 10 drought-tolerant plants to grow.

Don't miss out this Winter

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