What are the best plants for sandy soil and how do I repair my soil?

I have recently moved into a house and the garden has been neglected, the pach of soil is solid, full of sand rubish and brick dust, I want to improve the quality of the soil and plant aprropriate plants, please help.

What are the best plants for sandy soil and how do I repair my soil?
The best way to improve sandy soil is to incorporate more organic matter into your soil.....you do this by adding compost....you can do this very easily by putting down a layer of compost then roto-tilling it into the existing soil...if you do not have access to a roto tiller then you can do the same by digging a trench filling half way back up with compost then mixing in original soil until trench if full...dig trench a foot away and do the same....then when you have gone over the area every other foot....go back the other way doing the same thing...this way you get well mixed soil and no "layering of compost or sandy soil.



Another thing that I do is to build a dirt screen...you go to your hardware store and buy Hardware Cloth(metal mesh)...I use the 1/2inch spaced...build a frame out of wood(with legs on one side,,,so that it leans at a 45 degree angle)...place Hardware cloth over frame...then nail(or screw) down wood strips over all 4 edges to secure the Hardware cloth to the frame.



You can use the frame to sift out Large debris from the old (crappy) soil.



Good Luck!
Reply:ok redmeat..no essays..



Lantana and Marigolds!!!!!!.

Little to no soil transformation

They are drought resistant and low maintenance!!!
Reply:I would suggest using raised beds, I have had alot of luck with these in desert areas. You can control the soil type for different plants in each bed. I suggest smaller beds for easy access. Good Luck!
Reply:Cactus
Reply:We also live in a sandy area. Sounds like you first need to get rid of the top layer and then add black dirt and composted manure. This is what we did and our yard is coming along fine. You then can plant just about anything that your area tolerates.
Reply:BBC gardening has good info:



http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/htbg/modu...
Reply:You can improve your soil by adding organic matter to it. You didn't say where you lived so We can't comment on what plants would be appropriate for your garden. A local garden center can help you with appropriate plants.



Our website has a page on soil improvement, check it out at-



http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.c...



Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!