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Various Types of Soil Conditions

made to be sure that the artificial bog garden can have moist soil conditions which will be congenial to the plants in this location. Peat soils are not only naturally acid but it is believed they contain low forms of plant life also which are of great assistance in promoting the growth of ericaceous plants that especially thrive on peaty soils. Peat bog soils lack available nitrogen and therefore carnivorous plants occur, such as pitcher plants and sundew. Humic acid is present and low temperatures are the prevailing ones. The humic acid acts upon the roots of the plants. Plants adapted to peat are likely to be those requiring considerable humus also a cool, moist, deep, loamy soil and a position not in full sun when transplanted. Since in a light, sandy soil the particles are relatively large such a soil is generally well aerated and not retentive of moisture. Thus, plants adapted to such a soil are as a rule very hardy and possessed of a large root system due to the fact that the roots generally have to extend considerable distances in search of water which may fail just when most needed, that is, during summer droughts and winter freezeups accompanied by a drying wind. Also since this soil type is well aerated it is not likely to contain much humus or to be acid in character as the aeration or oxidation of the humus removes one cause of the soil acidity.

On the other hand, clay soils are composed of very fine particles, poorly aerated, and are retentive of moisture and tend to be acid in reaction. Therefore, plants adapted to clay soils are generally moisture loving, free from large fibrous root systems, and are not nearly so likely to be hardy, especially if removed to another soil type. Light soils are said to be warmer than heavy ones. What is really meant by that is that the period of growth from spring to autumn is longer on a light soil than on a heavy one. For this reason, plants which start growth early in the spring, like peaches, or bloom late in the autumn, like chrysanthemums, generally succeed better on a light soil. For the present, and until the underlying reasons are better understood, experience will prove the best guide in selecting plants for the different soil types.

LIST OF PLANTS ADAPTED TO VARIOUS TYPES OF SOIL CONDITIONS A. BOGGY AND PEATY SOILS. Plants in this group have proved their ability to thrive under extremely wet conditions in boggy or peaty types of soil. The evergreens in this group should never be planted in a soil containing limestone or in a soil which is supplied with water from a source where limestone is present, or be fertilized with bone meal. a. Boggy situations (Trees and Shrubs):