Essentially there are three types of soil. The finest of these for growing vegetables is loam. This is because loam is rich in humus, an organic matter from living things that have died, decayed and returned to the soil. Loam is dark, soft and crumbly. While it holds water, it also allows for drainage and is fairly easy to dig.
The other two primary types of soil, clay and sand, are not so richly endowed. But with hard work and the addition of proper nutrients to these soils, some vegetables can usually be made to grow in them. For instance, consider clay. It is usually light colored and consists of very tiny particles. These stick together, making for poor drainage. But if sand, peat moss and bone meal, as well as other soil nutrients, are mixed into clay, it may become suitable for growing crops.
Similarly, sand, the opposite of clay and coarse in structure, may require special working, but some vegetables can definitely be made to grow in it. Asparagus, for instance, actually prefers a somewhat sandy soil. More likely than not your soil is a combination of the three basic kinds. A nurseryman can probably give you exact advice about how best to treat whatever soil you will be using.
The other two primary types of soil, clay and sand, are not so richly endowed. But with hard work and the addition of proper nutrients to these soils, some vegetables can usually be made to grow in them. For instance, consider clay. It is usually light colored and consists of very tiny particles. These stick together, making for poor drainage. But if sand, peat moss and bone meal, as well as other soil nutrients, are mixed into clay, it may become suitable for growing crops.
Similarly, sand, the opposite of clay and coarse in structure, may require special working, but some vegetables can definitely be made to grow in it. Asparagus, for instance, actually prefers a somewhat sandy soil. More likely than not your soil is a combination of the three basic kinds. A nurseryman can probably give you exact advice about how best to treat whatever soil you will be using.