What water does get into these soils is held so tightly by the clay itself that plants cannot use it. Plants in a clay soil, even though it is moist, often wilt from lack of moisture. Plant roots also need air to thrive. In clay soils, air spaces are small and may be filled with water, so plant roots often suffer from oxygen starvation. In very sandy soils, the opposite is true.
Sandy soils have very large pore spaces.
Because the particles are large, there is little surface area to hold the water, so sandy soils tend to lose water rapidly. A good soil is not made in just one year. Add organic matter annually to Garden areas. In areas to be sodded or seeded, add organic amendments as a one-time procedure. Take advantage of this one time before seeding or sodding by doing a thorough, complete job.