Clay, Sand, and Silt: Building a Soil Map of Your Homestead

While many of us meticulously plan our planting calendars and harvest goals, fewer take the time to investigate what lies beneath the surface. Soil is not uniform, even across small spaces. Failing to understand its nuances can result in drainage problems, stunted yields, and unnecessary effort.

Creating a basic soil texture map is a revealing exercise that empowers growers to make more informed decisions. It clarifies where to focus amendments, how to manage water, and where specific crops are best placed. Most encouragingly, it’s low-cost, accessible, and deeply satisfying, giving us a closer relationship with the land.