Hardee County Soil Data
Hardee County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hardee County, Florida
Mild Acidity in the Heart of Florida
Hardee County's soil pH of 5.14 is one of the highest in this group, sitting above the Florida average of 4.88. It is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring a specific approach to agriculture. While taxonomic details are sparse, this pH level is favorable for many of Florida’s signature crops.
Predominantly Sandy Soil Structure
With 87.9% sand and only 2.9% clay, Hardee’s soil is very light and extremely well-aerated. The silt content is minimal at 1.4%, meaning there is very little to hold the sand particles together. This makes the soil easy to dig but prone to leaching nutrients during heavy rains.
Strong Organic Matter and Water Retention
Hardee County features 7.83% organic matter, which is very close to the state average of 8.03%. This organic presence helps the soil achieve an available water capacity of 0.120 in/in, which is better than the Florida average of 0.108. It is a productive soil that holds moisture better than many sandy neighbors.
Fast Drainage for Inland Farming
Despite the lack of an official drainage classification, the 87.9% sand content points to very rapid water infiltration. This ensures that even after a tropical downpour, the ground will not stay saturated for long. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for the citrus groves that define the local economy.
Citrus and More in Zone 9b
Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, Hardee County is world-famous for its citrus production. The soil's 0.120 in/in water capacity and healthy organic levels make it a premier spot for backyard farming. Whether it is oranges or strawberries, the conditions here are ripe for your first garden.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hardee County have?
Hardee County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 88% sand, 1% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Hardee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hardee County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hardee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hardee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hardee County's soil?
Based on Hardee County's Sand texture, pH of 5.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Hardee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hardee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hardee County
Soil Verdict
Hardee County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Hardee County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hardee County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Florida
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.