Garden County Soil Data
Garden County, Nebraska
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loamy coarse sand
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
5.0%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Garden County, Nebraska
Sandy Entisols of the West
Garden County features alkaline soils with a pH of 7.07, significantly higher than the national median of 6.5. These soils are classified as Entisols, representing relatively young geological formations with simple soil horizons.
Coarse Sand and Easy Tilling
The landscape is dominated by loamy coarse sand, containing 65.1% sand and very little clay at 9.1%. This coarse texture ensures the soil is easy to till but means that nutrients may move through the profile quickly.
Rich Organic Matter in Dry Soil
The soil boasts a remarkable 5.04% organic matter, far surpassing the Nebraska state average of 3.32%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is a low 0.128 in/in due to the extremely sandy texture.
Rapid Drainage in Group A Soils
Classified as somewhat excessively drained and falling into hydrologic group A, these soils shed water rapidly. This makes the land excellent for avoiding root rot but requires careful irrigation management for sensitive plants.
Drought-Tolerant Gardening in 5b
Residents can find success with drought-tolerant species and native grasses that thrive in sandy Entisols. Start a garden with deep-rooted perennials that can tap into moisture beneath the fast-draining surface.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy coarse sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Garden County have?
Garden County's soil is classified as Loamy coarse sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 65% sand, 19% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Garden County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Garden County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Garden County?
Garden County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Garden County's soil?
Based on Garden County's Loamy coarse sand texture, pH of 7.1, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Garden County?
Garden County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Garden County
Soil Verdict
Garden County is in USDA hardiness zone 5b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -15°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Garden County closely matches the Nebraska average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Garden County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Nebraska
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.