Holmes County Soil Data
Holmes County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Holmes County, Florida
Panhandle Acidity in Holmes
The soil pH in Holmes County averages 5.19, which is slightly more neutral than the Florida average of 4.88. It remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median, typical for northern Florida regions.
Higher Silt Content Mix
The soil is 84.0% sand but contains a relatively high 9.0% silt and 7.1% clay. This mixture provides a bit more structural stability than coastal sands, though it remains a very fast-draining profile.
Low Organic Matter Challenges
Organic matter is quite low at 1.31%, which is far below the state average of 8.03% and the national 2.0% average. This results in a low available water capacity of 0.084 in/in, requiring heavy supplementation.
Porous Soils with Low Retention
Specific drainage classes are not provided, yet the high sand content guarantees rapid water movement. Gardeners will find that nutrients leach away quickly, making slow-release fertilizers a necessity for healthy growth.
Cooler Seasons in Zone 8b
Located in Zone 8b, this county supports cool-season crops like kale and hardy perennials. Because organic matter is low, building up your soil with mulch will yield the best results for your new 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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Holmes County have?
Holmes County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 84% sand, 9% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Holmes County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Holmes County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Holmes County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Holmes County.
What crops or plants grow well in Holmes County's soil?
Based on Holmes County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Holmes County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Holmes County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Holmes County
Soil Verdict
Holmes County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Holmes County is somewhat cooler than the Florida statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Holmes 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.