Few counties in England have as varied a soil profile as Hampshire. From the thin chalk soils of the North Downs and the Hampshire Downs to the heavy clay of the river valleys, the sandy greensand of the Weald fringe and the nutrient-poor acid soils of the New Forest — knowing your soil type changes everything about how you garden.
Chalk Soils: Winchester, Petersfield, Stockbridge Area
Chalk soils are thin, alkaline, fast-draining and low in organic matter. They warm quickly in spring and dry out rapidly in summer. Choose plants that thrive in alkaline, free-draining conditions and add organic matter every year.
- pH: typically 7.5–8.0
- Plants that thrive: lavender, salvia, achillea, clematis, beech
- Plants to avoid: rhododendrons, camellias, pieris
- Key improvement: regular generous applications of organic matter
Clay Soils: Test Valley, Southampton, Ringwood Area
Clay soils are heavy, moisture-retentive and naturally fertile but cold and slow to drain. They suit a wide range of plants, particularly roses, astilbes, hostas and moisture-loving perennials. Improve with organic matter and sharp grit over time.
Sandy and New Forest Soils
Sandy soils and the acid soils of the New Forest are free-draining, low in nutrients and often acidic. They suit acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas and heathers and need frequent organic matter addition and irrigation. New Forest soils can be particularly impoverished.
A&T Landscapes knows Hampshire soils thoroughly and recommends planting and treatment that works with local conditions. Call 07735 916029.