Silty

Silky or soapy rather than gritty between the fingers, and does not take a shine the way clay does. Fertile, moisture-retentive, and inclined to set into a crust after rain.

Not sure this is you? Four hand tests will settle it — the squeeze test alone distinguishes the main textures in about a minute.

What it is

Texture: Silky rather than gritty. Fertile and moisture-retentive, and inclined to cap into a crust after rain.
source
Horticultural consensusmoderate confidence
Soilscapes — Cranfield University, National Soil Resources Institute: Soil texture classes
Checked 2026-08-13
pH: Neutral — conventionally pH 6.5 to 7.2
Sourced guidancelow confidence
Silty soils in Britain are commonly alluvial and their reaction follows the deposit rather than the texture. Recorded at low confidence for that reason.
Soilscapes — Cranfield University, National Soil Resources Institute: Soil reaction
Checked 2026-08-13
Drainage: Moderate — holds moisture without staying wet
source
Horticultural consensusmoderate confidence
Soilscapes — Cranfield University, National Soil Resources Institute: Drainage classes
Checked 2026-08-13
Moisture: Holds moisture well
source
Horticultural consensusmoderate confidence
Soilscapes — Cranfield University, National Soil Resources Institute: Available water capacity
Checked 2026-08-13
Structure: Caps into a crust after rain
source
Sourced guidancehigh confidence
James Hutton Institute — The James Hutton Institute: Surface capping and slaking
Checked 2026-08-13
Organic matter: moderate
Sourced guidancelow confidence
James Hutton Institute — The James Hutton Institute: Soil organic matter
Checked 2026-08-13
Working depth: 40–80 cm
Sourced guidancelow confidence
Soilscapes — Cranfield University, National Soil Resources Institute: Soil depth
Checked 2026-08-13
Holds nutrients: good
source
Sourced guidancemoderate confidence
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board — AHDB: Soil texture
Checked 2026-08-13

Described viewA silty soil surface that has dried into a hard, cracked crust after heavy rain, with seedlings unable to push throughCapping is the defining failure of silty soil and the reason a surface mulch matters more here than elsewhere.

What it is good at

Every soil grows something better than loam does, and a description that lists only problems is a complaint rather than intelligence.

Among the most fertile and productive garden soils there is: it holds moisture and nutrients well and is far easier to work than clay.
source
Sourced guidancemoderate confidence
- Royal Horticultural Society: Silty soils
Checked 2026-08-13

What goes wrong on it

The surface slakes and sets into a hard crust after heavy rain, which stops fine seedlings emerging and sheds the next downpour rather than absorbing it.
source
Sourced guidancehigh confidence
- James Hutton Institute — The James Hutton Institute: Surface capping
Checked 2026-08-13
The individual particles are small and round, so the structure is fragile and compacts easily under foot traffic even when the soil is not especially wet.
source
Sourced guidancemoderate confidence
- James Hutton Institute — The James Hutton Institute: Soil structural stability
Checked 2026-08-13

The thing most worth knowing

The practical answer to capping is to stop the raindrops hitting bare soil: a mulch, a green manure over winter, or a covering of compost over a seed row.

What grows on silty

Computed across 223 plants by comparing each one's recorded requirements against this soil's recorded characteristics. Every verdict can be taken apart into the criteria that produced it, and a recorded horticultural fact overrides the computation where one exists.

Prefers this soil162

Plant	Why
Agapanthus	Silty suits Agapanthus as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Aloe vera	Silty suits Aloe vera as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Amelanchier	Silty suits Amelanchier as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Apple	Silty suits Apple as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Apricot	Silty suits Apricot as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Armand clematis	Silty suits Armand clematis as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Asparagus	Silty suits Asparagus as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Aubergine	Silty suits Aubergine as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Basil	Silty suits Basil as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Bay	Silty suits Bay as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Bearded iris	Silty suits Bearded iris as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Beetroot	Silty suits Beetroot as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Berberis	Silty suits Berberis as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Bird of paradise	Silty suits Bird of paradise as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Blackberry	Silty suits Blackberry as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Blue fescue	Silty suits Blue fescue as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Borage	Silty suits Borage as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Broad bean	Silty suits Broad bean as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Broccoli	Silty suits Broccoli as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Buddleja	Silty suits Buddleja as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Cabbage	Silty suits Cabbage as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Californian lilac	Silty suits Californian lilac as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Canna	Silty suits Canna as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Carrot	Silty suits Carrot as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Chamomile	Silty suits Chamomile as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Cherry	Silty suits Cherry as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Chervil	Silty suits Chervil as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Chicory	Silty suits Chicory as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Chilli pepper	Silty suits Chilli pepper as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Chinese money plant	Silty suits Chinese money plant as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Chives	Silty suits Chives as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Coriander	Silty suits Coriander as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Cotoneaster	Silty suits Cotoneaster as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Crab apple	Silty suits Crab apple as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Crocosmia	Silty suits Crocosmia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Crocus	Silty suits Crocus as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Curry leaf	Silty suits Curry leaf as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Daffodil	Silty suits Daffodil as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Dahlia	Silty suits Dahlia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Deutzia	Silty suits Deutzia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Dill	Silty suits Dill as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Dragon tree	Silty suits Dragon tree as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Echeveria	Silty suits Echeveria as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Echinacea	Silty suits Echinacea as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Epimedium	Silty suits Epimedium as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Escallonia	Silty suits Escallonia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Fennel	Silty suits Fennel as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Fig	Silty suits Fig as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Firethorn	Silty suits Firethorn as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Forsythia	Silty suits Forsythia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Foxglove	Silty suits Foxglove as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
French bean	Silty suits French bean as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Garlic	Silty suits Garlic as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Garlic chives	Silty suits Garlic chives as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Gladiolus	Silty suits Gladiolus as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Globe artichoke	Silty suits Globe artichoke as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Golden-scaled male fern	Silty suits Golden-scaled male fern as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Grape	Silty suits Grape as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Grape hyacinth	Silty suits Grape hyacinth as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hard shield fern	Silty suits Hard shield fern as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hardy cyclamen	Silty suits Hardy cyclamen as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hardy geranium	Silty suits Hardy geranium as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hart's tongue fern	Silty suits Hart's tongue fern as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Haworthia	Silty suits Haworthia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hawthorn	Silty suits Hawthorn as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Heartleaf philodendron	Silty suits Heartleaf philodendron as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hebe	Silty suits Hebe as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hellebore	Silty suits Hellebore as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Henry's honeysuckle	Silty suits Henry's honeysuckle as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Heuchera	Silty suits Heuchera as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hippeastrum	Silty suits Hippeastrum as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Holly	Silty suits Holly as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hoya	Silty suits Hoya as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hyacinth	Silty suits Hyacinth as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Hyssop	Silty suits Hyssop as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Ivy	Silty suits Ivy as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Jade plant	Silty suits Jade plant as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Jerusalem artichoke	Silty suits Jerusalem artichoke as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Kale	Silty suits Kale as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Kentia palm	Silty suits Kentia palm as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Kohlrabi	Silty suits Kohlrabi as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Lamb's lettuce	Silty suits Lamb's lettuce as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Lavender	Silty suits Lavender as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Lemon balm	Silty suits Lemon balm as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Lemon thyme	Silty suits Lemon thyme as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Lemon verbena	Silty suits Lemon verbena as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Lettuce	Silty suits Lettuce as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Lily	Silty suits Lily as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Loganberry	Silty suits Loganberry as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Mahonia	Silty suits Mahonia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Maidenhair spleenwort	Silty suits Maidenhair spleenwort as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Male fern	Silty suits Male fern as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Marjoram	Silty suits Marjoram as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Melon	Silty suits Melon as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Mexican feather grass	Silty suits Mexican feather grass as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Mexican orange blossom	Silty suits Mexican orange blossom as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Mint	Silty suits Mint as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Miscanthus	Silty suits Miscanthus as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Mock orange	Silty suits Mock orange as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Monstera	Silty suits Monstera as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Nerine	Silty suits Nerine as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Onion	Silty suits Onion as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Oregano	Silty suits Oregano as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Ornamental allium	Silty suits Ornamental allium as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Osmanthus	Silty suits Osmanthus as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Ostrich fern	Silty suits Ostrich fern as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Parlour palm	Silty suits Parlour palm as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Parsley	Silty suits Parsley as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Parsnip	Silty suits Parsnip as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Passionflower	Silty suits Passionflower as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Pea	Silty suits Pea as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Peach	Silty suits Peach as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Pear	Silty suits Pear as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Peony	Silty suits Peony as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Peperomia	Silty suits Peperomia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Periwinkle	Silty suits Periwinkle as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Potato	Silty suits Potato as it stands: The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Pothos	Silty suits Pothos as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Quince	Silty suits Quince as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Radish	Silty suits Radish as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Raspberry	Silty suits Raspberry as it stands: The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Rhubarb	Silty suits Rhubarb as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Rocket	Silty suits Rocket as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Rosemary	Silty suits Rosemary as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Rowan	Silty suits Rowan as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 4.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Rubber plant	Silty suits Rubber plant as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Runner bean	Silty suits Runner bean as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Sage	Silty suits Sage as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Salad burnet	Silty suits Salad burnet as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Salvia	Silty suits Salvia as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Savory	Silty suits Savory as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Shallot	Silty suits Shallot as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Silver birch	Silty suits Silver birch as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 4.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Snake plant	Silty suits Snake plant as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Soft shield fern	Silty suits Soft shield fern as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Spider plant	Silty suits Spider plant as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Spinach	Silty suits Spinach as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Spiraea	Silty suits Spiraea as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Spring onion	Silty suits Spring onion as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Star jasmine	Silty suits Star jasmine as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Strawberry	Silty suits Strawberry as it stands: The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
String of hearts	Silty suits String of hearts as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
String of pearls	Silty suits String of pearls as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Sweet pepper	Silty suits Sweet pepper as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Sweetcorn	Silty suits Sweetcorn as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Swiss cheese vine	Silty suits Swiss cheese vine as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Syngonium	Silty suits Syngonium as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Tarragon	Silty suits Tarragon as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Tayberry	Silty suits Tayberry as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Thai basil	Silty suits Thai basil as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Thyme	Silty suits Thyme as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Tiger flower	Silty suits Tiger flower as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Tomato	Silty suits Tomato as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering. There is ample rooting depth for it.
Tulip	Silty suits Tulip as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Turnip	Silty suits Turnip as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Viburnum	Silty suits Viburnum as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Vietnamese coriander	Silty suits Vietnamese coriander as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7, and this soil is in that range. Silt is among the soils it is recorded as suiting. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Virginia creeper	Silty suits Virginia creeper as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 7.8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Winter savory	Silty suits Winter savory as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Wisteria	Silty suits Wisteria as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7.5, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
Yew	Silty suits Yew as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 5.5 to 8, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.
ZZ plant	Silty suits ZZ plant as it stands: The pH suits it: it wants 6 to 7, and this soil is in that range. The free drainage is exactly what it wants. The soil holds moisture, which saves a great deal of watering.

Grows well here60

Plant	Why
Aglaonema	Aglaonema grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Alocasia	Alocasia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Anthurium	Anthurium grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Blackcurrant	Blackcurrant grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Boston fern	Boston fern grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Brunnera	Brunnera grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Brussels sprouts	Brussels sprouts grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Bugle	Bugle grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Calathea	Calathea grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Camellia	Camellia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Cauliflower	Cauliflower grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Celeriac	Celeriac grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Celery	Celery grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Chard	Chard grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Christmas box	Christmas box grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Christmas cactus	Christmas cactus grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Clematis	Clematis grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Climbing hydrangea	Climbing hydrangea grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Courgette	Courgette grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Cucumber	Cucumber grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Dieffenbachia	Dieffenbachia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Endive	Endive grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Evergreen climbing hydrangea	Evergreen climbing hydrangea grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Fatsia	Fatsia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Feather reed grass	Feather reed grass grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Fittonia	Fittonia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Fuchsia	Fuchsia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Gooseberry	Gooseberry grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Honeysuckle	Honeysuckle grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Hosta	Hosta grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Hydrangea	Hydrangea grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Japanese forest grass	Japanese forest grass grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Japanese maple	Japanese maple grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Lady fern	Lady fern grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Land cress	Land cress grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Leek	Leek grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Lemongrass	Lemongrass grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Lovage	Lovage grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Magnolia	Magnolia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Moth orchid	Moth orchid grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Pak choi	Pak choi grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Peace lily	Peace lily grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Pieris	Pieris grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Plum	Plum grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Pumpkin	Pumpkin grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Redcurrant	Redcurrant grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Rhododendron	Rhododendron grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Rose	Rose grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Royal fern	Royal fern grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Rudbeckia	Rudbeckia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Sedge	Sedge grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Shiso	Shiso grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Skimmia	Skimmia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Snowdrop	Snowdrop grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Sorrel	Sorrel grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Swede	Swede grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Tuberous begonia	Tuberous begonia grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Weigela	Weigela grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Whitecurrant	Whitecurrant grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.
Winter squash	Winter squash grows perfectly well on silty without special measures, though it is not the soil it would choose.

Works, with one condition1

These crop perfectly well here once one specific thing is dealt with. The condition is stated for each, and it is usually a single job rather than an ongoing one.

Plant	Why	What to do
Blueberry	Blueberry will crop on silty, but one thing has to be dealt with first. The soil is substantially too alkaline for it: it wants pH 4 to 5.5, and this soil sits around 6.5 to 7.2.	The pH is the obstacle. Small shifts are achievable and slow; large ones are not. On silty the dependable answer is a container of the right compost rather than an attempt to change the ground.

What is worth doing about it

Each of these states its ceiling as well as its effect, because every soil improvement is oversold somewhere and a gardener who knows where it stops does not keep going for another three years.

Bulky organic matter

Two to five years of repetitionmoderate effort

Improves structure on every soil type: it binds sand into crumbs that hold water and nutrients, and opens clay so air and roots can get through. It also feeds the soil biology that maintains the structure once it exists.

source

Horticultural consensusmoderate confidence

Royal Horticultural Society: Improving soil
James Hutton Institute — The James Hutton Institute: Soil organic matter and structure

Checked 2026-08-13

What it will not do: It will not change what the soil is made of. Clay with twenty years of compost in it is well-structured clay, not loam, and it will still be sticky in a wet February. Nor does it meaningfully move pH.

Manure must be well rotted. Fresh manure scorches roots and robs nitrogen from the soil as it breaks down, and manure from an unknown source can carry residues of persistent broad-leaved herbicides that damage potatoes, tomatoes and beans for several seasons.

source

Sourced guidancehigh confidence

Royal Horticultural Society: Manure — aminopyralid contamination

Checked 2026-08-13

Leaving the soil undug

Two to five years of repetitionlow effort

Preserves the crumb structure, fungal networks and worm channels that give a soil its drainage and its air. Worms incorporate a surface mulch downwards without the structural damage that digging does.

source

Sourced guidancemoderate confidence

Garden Organic — Garden Organic (Henry Doubleday Research Association): No-dig cultivation
James Hutton Institute — The James Hutton Institute: Soil structure under cultivation

Checked 2026-08-13

What it will not do: It does not relieve existing deep compaction, which usually has to be broken once before a no-dig regime can maintain anything. Nor does it remove the need for organic matter — no-dig is a way of applying it, not a substitute.

Green manures

A difference within one seasonlow effort

Adds organic matter without importing it, protects the surface from winter rain — which is what causes capping and nutrient leaching on light and silty soils — and, with a legume, fixes nitrogen. Deep-rooted types such as grazing rye break into moderately compacted ground.

source

Sourced guidancemoderate confidence

Garden Organic — Garden Organic (Henry Doubleday Research Association): Green manures

Checked 2026-08-13

What it will not do: The quantity of organic matter a green manure adds is small compared with a barrowload of compost — its value is in covering ground through winter and in the roots, not in bulk. It also occupies the bed, which is the real cost on a small plot.

Do not let a green manure set seed, and choose one from a different family to the crop that follows. Mustard is a brassica, so it should never precede or follow brassicas on ground where clubroot is a risk.

source

Sourced guidancehigh confidence

Royal Horticultural Society: Green manures

Checked 2026-08-13

Raised beds

Works straight awayhigh effort

Lifts the root zone above the water table, so roots are in soil that drains even when the ground beneath does not. It also warms earlier in spring and gives rooting depth where there is rock or hardpan close to the surface.

source

Horticultural consensusmoderate confidence

Royal Horticultural Society: Raised beds

Checked 2026-08-13

What it will not do: It does not drain the ground underneath. A raised bed on waterlogged clay is a container sitting on a puddle: it works because the roots are above the problem, not because the problem is gone. Beds under about 20 cm deep achieve very little of this.

All ten interventions, compared, including the ones that do not apply here.

The other soils

Soil record reviewed 2026-08-14.