Jim Hogg County Soil Data
Jim Hogg County, Texas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
0.9%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Jim Hogg County, Texas
Neutral Sands of Jim Hogg
Jim Hogg County maintains an average pH of 6.64, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This balanced acidity provides an excellent starting point for many South Texas plants. The county's soil score of 30.3 sits slightly above the state average of 28.8.
Dominant Sand and Easy Drainage
This soil is heavily sandy, containing 68.1% sand, 12.9% silt, and 11.7% clay. Such a high sand content ensures rapid drainage and easy workability but offers very little natural nutrient retention. You will need to fertilize more frequently to keep your plants healthy.
Building Up Lean Soil Organic Matter
Organic matter is quite low at 0.88%, which is roughly half of the Texas state average of 1.66%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.095 in/in compared to the state average of 0.133 in/in. These soils require significant organic additions to hold onto moisture and food.
Sandy Soil and Water Flow
While a specific hydrologic group is not documented, the 68.1% sand content suggests high infiltration rates. This helps prevent flooding in your garden but means water moves quickly past plant roots. Frequent, light watering is often more effective than occasional deep soaking in this environment.
Sun-Loving Crops in Zone 9b
In Hardiness Zone 9b, Jim Hogg County supports heat-tolerant crops and native brush species. You can find great success with peppers, okra, and native cacti that thrive in sandy conditions. Start your South Texas garden by selecting plants that don't mind the heat or the sand.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
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 Jim Hogg County have?
Jim Hogg County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 68% sand, 13% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jim Hogg County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jim Hogg County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Jim Hogg County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jim Hogg County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jim Hogg County's soil?
Based on Jim Hogg County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 6.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Jim Hogg County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jim Hogg County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jim Hogg County
Soil Verdict
Jim Hogg 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
Jim Hogg County is somewhat warmer than the Texas statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jim Hogg County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Texas
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.