This information supplements the "Soils" section of the Rain Garden Manual for Vermont and the Lake Champlain Basin.
Overview
Soils are the foundation of a rain garden, and understanding the differences between types of soil as well as finding out which type of soil you have is important in the overall effectiveness of your rain garden. Clay, sand, and silt are the three broad soil type categories, but you can be much more specific in your classification. Read more to learn about key terminology that you may come across and methods to assess what type of soil you have.
Useful Terminology
Soil texture: the proportion of small (clay), medium (silt), and large (sand) soil particles
Soil structure: the arrangement of soil particles
Soil porosity: the space between soil particles, normally consisting of water and air
Water infiltration: the movement of water from the soil surface into the soil profile
Permeability: the ability of air and water to move through the soil
Learn how to conduct a soil percolation test here. (Editor's note: she should dig her percolation test hole deeper- at least 24-inches deep, preferably 36-inches.)
