Washington County Soil Data
Washington County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
46.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Washington County, Vermont
Highland Acidity and Rich Earth
Washington County has an average pH of 4.53, reflecting the significant acidity found throughout central Vermont. This is nearly two points lower than the national median of 6.5, which impacts how minerals move through the soil. Understanding this acidic baseline is key for any successful land management here.
Gritty Textures and Low Clay
With 42.0% sand and 24.9% silt, the soil is notably gritty and well-aerated. The low clay content of 5.5% ensures that the ground doesn't become overly compacted or heavy. This texture is ideal for root crops that need space to expand without resistance.
Top-Tier Organic Content
Washington County leads with a massive 46.42% organic matter, far surpassing the state average of 29.01%. This results in a superior water capacity of 0.304 in/in, which is much higher than the state average. These soils are incredibly resilient to drought because they store water so effectively.
Resilient Water Management
Official drainage data is unavailable, but the high organic matter creates a sponge-like effect in the landscape. This likely buffers the county against both erosion and rapid runoff during Vermont's intense spring thaws. Gardeners will find the soil stays moist longer than in sandier, lower-organic regions.
Thriving in Zone 5a
In hardiness zone 5a, residents can grow a diverse array of cool-season vegetables and berries. The impressive soil score of 67.1 suggests that the land is highly productive when matched with the right plants. Consider starting an orchard or a berry patch to take advantage of these fertile conditions.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Washington County have?
Washington County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 25% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washington County's soil has a low pH of 4.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Washington County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Washington County.
What crops or plants grow well in Washington County's soil?
Based on Washington County's Loam texture, pH of 4.5, 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 Washington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Washington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Washington County
Soil Verdict
Washington County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°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. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind 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
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
Washington County closely matches the Vermont average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washington County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Vermont
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.