Poor Soil & Weeds

Weeds

• Any plant that grows where it is not welcome is technically a weed. That being said, one man's weed may be another man's wild flower or naturalistic meadow. Though they are not everyone's cup of tea, plants such as morning glory, dandelion, clover, coneflower, butterfly weed and Joe-Pye weed flourish in poor soils. These drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants can be used to create delightful displays of easy-care flowers and foliage that reappear season after season without replanting.

Soil Indicators

• Even those who are less than thrilled by the appearance of weeds can use them to their advantage. The type of weeds that are most commonly found in the yard can provide homeowners with valuable information regarding the fertility of the underlying soil. Dandelion, crabgrass, yarrow, ragweed, shepherd's purse and plantain tend to grow in poor, infertile soils, while pigweed, foxtails, chickweed and lamb's quarters appear in fertile, nutrient-rich areas.

Plants for Poor Soil

• Those who would like to grow something other than weeds will be relived to discover the myriad of attractive trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and ground covers that thrive in nutrient-poor soils and dry, sandy sites. Well-adapted plants, such as black locusts, Rocky Mountain junipers, rugosa roses, marigolds, sunflowers and poppies, perform well in the rocky, thin, dry soils that stunt many ornamentals. When selecting plants for poor soil, choose those that hail from the Mediterranean regions or arid, desert biomes, as they are well suited to life in harsh climates and require little in the way of care and attention.

Improving Poor Soil

• Poor soil tends to be extremely dry and naturally low in nutrients; consequently, they can be improved by the addition of water-holding, organic materials. Spread a 1/4-inch layer of mature compost or rotted manure over the garden or lawn each spring, then use a rake or shovel to incorporate the materials into the top 2 inches of soil. Once the garden has been planted, cover any areas of bare soil with a 3-inch layer of organic mulch. Organic mulches break down over time, enriching the surrounding soil in the process. Additionally, poor soils need to be watered regularly, particularly during periods of hot, windy weather, as they do not hold water well.