Adjusting DesertSoil for Optimal Plant Growth

DesertSoil™ is specifically designed to support a wide range of desert-adapted plants, offering excellent drainage, nutrient retention, and a balanced structure for harsh climates. However, certain species may benefit from slight modifications to ensure they thrive in their specific growing conditions.

The following guide provides detailed recommendations for adjusting 1 cubic foot (1 cf) of DesertSoil™ to better suit the unique needs of various plants. These adjustments involve adding small amounts of specific ingredients, such as compost or peat moss, to enhance water retention, nutrient availability, or organic content. By tailoring DesertSoil™ these targeted changes, you can ensure that each plant will perform at its best in your environment.

Best:

  • Agave (Agave americana) – This plant thrives with little water and needs no additional ingredients in DesertSoil™, as its natural environment is sandy and rocky.

  • Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) – Perfectly suited to this soil mix with good drainage. No changes necessary.

  • Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus species) – Performs best in gritty, well-draining soils, exactly like DesertSoil™. No additional ingredients required.

  • Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia species) – Thrives in rocky, well-drained soils. DesertSoil™ provides exactly what it needs without any further adjustment.

  • Yucca (Yucca species) – Grows well in dry, sandy soils with minimal nutrients. No further amendments needed.

  • Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) – This nitrogen-fixing plant thrives in sandy or gravelly soils and naturally enhances DesertSoil™ without needing added ingredients.

  • Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) – Native to sandy, well-drained soils; this plant is a perfect match for your DesertSoil™ recipe without any modifications.

  • Mormon Tea (Ephedra viridis) – Best suited for sandy or gravelly soils with great drainage. No alterations required.

  • Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) – Ideal for sandy, rocky soils with excellent drainage. No further ingredients are necessary.

  • Lavender (Lavandula species) – Prefers sandy, well-drained soils. DesertSoil™ offers the perfect environment with no need for any changes.

  • Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) – Grows well in sandy soils with minimal water needs. No additional amendments are needed for this species.

  • Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) – Thrives in sandy, gravelly soils with low fertility. No adjustments needed.

Better:

  • Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) – Aloe does well in sandy soil but may benefit from occasional deep watering. No additional ingredients are necessary, but monitoring moisture levels will help.

  • Echeveria – This succulent thrives in dry soils but may require slightly more moisture retention than other desert plants in extreme heat. Add 1/4 cubic feet of compost to DesertSoil™ for improved moisture retention.

  • Sedum (Sedum species) – Sedum performs well in well-drained soils, but adding 1/4 cubic feet of compost or worm castings will improve organic matter, enhancing growth during dry periods.

  • Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida) – This tree is well-adapted to desert soils but benefits from occasional deep watering during hot periods. No additional amendments are necessary for the soil.

  • Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) – Thrives in rocky, sandy soils but may benefit from a slight boost in organic matter. Add 1/4 cubic feet of compost for improved moisture and nutrient retention.

  • Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi) – Will do well in this mix but may require slightly more water than other desert plants, especially during establishment. Add 1/4 cubic feet of compost to increase moisture retention.

Good:

  • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – This herb prefers sandy, well-drained soils but may benefit from occasional watering and slightly more organic content. Add 1/4 cubic feet of compost or worm castings for better water retention and organic material.

  • Lantana (Lantana camara) – Tolerates sandy soils but will need more frequent watering than true desert plants. Add 1/4 cubic feet of compost to increase moisture retention and nutrient content.

  • Desert Sage (Salvia dorrii) – Grows well in dry, sandy soils, but adding more organic matter could enhance flowering seasons. Add 1/4 cubic feet of compost or worm castings to improve growth during key periods.

Adjustment Notes

For “Good” plants:

  • Add 1/4TO 1/2 cubic feet of compost or worm castings per cubic foot of DesertSoil™ to increase organic content.

  • These plants may need more regular but still infrequent watering compared to more drought-tolerant species.

For “Better” plants:

  • DesertSoil™ should work well, but some species will benefit from occasional deep watering during especially dry or hot periods.

  • A small addition of compost (1/4 cubic feet) can help plants that need slightly more moisture or organic content.

For “Best” plants:

  • These species are highly adapted to desert conditions and will thrive with minimal intervention using DesertSoil™.