How Would You Use Soil That Is Grainy?

Grow plants that tolerate or grow naturally in sandy soil conditions. Plants such as creeping juniper, firethorn, and butterfly bush will still thrive, even if the soil is sandy. Some grasses also grow well in sandy soil, such as seashore paspalum and St. Augustine grass. Many trees also tolerate sandy soil, such as red pines and white oaks.

Water your plants more often. Sandy soil holds little moisture, making it difficult to grow plants. In loamy soil, for example, watering plants once a week may suffice. The same plants grown in grainy soil may need to be watered two or three times a week. Use a moisture meter to help gauge when to water your plants.

Amend the soil in gardens and lawns. Ideally, start this process three or four months before planting time. Thoroughly mix 2 inches of topsoil, compost, peat moss, leaves, peat, sawdust, or another organic matter into the top 5 to 6 inches of the soil bed. Three or four weeks later, apply and incorporate another 2 inches of organic matter. Repeat two or three more times. At planting time, you should have rich, loamy soil to grow a variety of plants.

Amend the soil when planting trees and shrubs. Dig a hole that is twice as deep and wide as the tree's root ball and discard two-thirds of the sandy soil. Add equal parts of loamy soil (available at garden centers) and compost to the remaining sandy soil.