Purchase landscape soil mixes by the bag, cubic yard or truck full. When you look at the price by cubic yard, you'll see it is a small amount to pay for the key ingredient that will give you a green thumb. By incorporating organic matter like humus, compost or peat into the native soil, good things start to happen. Organic matter helps loosen the soil for better water penetration and aeration leading to good root development. Remember soil improvement is a continual process.
Organic matter is equally important in sandy soil.
Sand is made up of the largest particles, allowing for quick drainage and leaching of nutrients. By adding organic matter, the water-holding capacity improves, and the nutrients plants need can be retained. Norman Winter is a horticulturist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service. Recommendations on this web site do not endorse any commercial products or trade names.